Habitat for Humanity Sarasota

REAL M A G A Z I N E

Renée Snyder

Raising Roofs

Raising Roofs RenĂŠe Snyder & Habitat for Humanity Sarasota

By Lalaena Gonzalez-Figueroa | Photography by Giovanni Lunardi

For Karla Arroglia, purchasing a home through Habitat for Humanity has been an investment whose yield extends far beyond the value of real estate. The hard-working mother of two, who invested over a year in the process of acquiring a property, notes that her home has given her family roots within the community, and allowed her children to flourish.

A Certified Nursing Assistant whose work revolves around caring for others, Karla knew she was neglecting her own children’s needs for a safe and secure home. Circumstances weren’t easy; after living with family members in cramped quarters, she moved her kids into a series of inadequate rentals in her efforts to find a place that they could call their own.

“Nothing is stronger than the heart of a volunteer” Her young son, a late crawler, didn’t have ample room to practice walking in their tiny rented trailer. And the structure’s leaking roof was allowing mold to grow inside, posing significant health risks for the trio. Karla knew she needed to make a better life for her family, but she could not do it alone.

When she first heard about Habitat for Humanity, Karla immediately set her sights on achieving the ultimate goal: buying a home of her own. An optimist with a ready smile and an easy laugh, she acknowledges that the process was a true labor of love. “From the beginning there were people who said it wouldn’t happen,” she recalls. “They said I couldn’t do it.” Undaunted, she never wavered from her vision of becoming a homeowner. “I got into the program and said, ‘You tell me what I have to do and I’ll do it no matter what,’” she remembers. “It took a lot of patience and a lot of work, but it was all worth it.”

Gus Friedrichs:

Volunteer of the Year 2010. 10 year volunteer, Crew Leader, retired design engineer, finish carpentry and plumbing. Gus is also a ReStore volunteer and does tutoring for Sarasota County schools.

Dick Hodder (left):

Retired defense electronics engineer, foundation specialist, skilled carpenter.

Bill Voorhees:

15 year winter volunteer, large grain farm owner, excellent carpenter with many useful skills.

Dick Weber (left)

6 year volunteer, Crew Leader, retired commercial/industrial business owner, metal and vinyl team leader.

Last year over 42,400 volunteer hours helped change lives

Frank Todaro

Metal and vinyl team member.

Kayda Selby

Jim Wiggin

2 month volunteer, retired school teacher, wintering on their sailboat at Marina Jacks with Sam.

Bud Rives

4 year volunteer, retired surgeon, drywall and finished carpentry work.

7 year volunteer, Project Leader, retired Army Officer.

Gene Weborg

6 year volunteer, Project Leader, retired Naval Officer, specializing in foundations.

John Mathews

Brandon Roell

11 year volunteer, electrical team member.

First day on the job as a volunteer.

Jim Stephens

Carmen Santiago

2 year volunteer, electrical team member, current Team Leader.

Art Luettgen

HFHS’s oldest volunteer (believe that he is 87 years old), electrical team member.

6 year volunteer, finished carpentry work.

Barb Grissinger 2 month volunteer, wintering in Sarasota with Jim Dirks.

Don Ernst

5 month volunteer, metal and vinyl team member.

She had already been saving, putting away a little with each paycheck in the hopes of one day making the ultimate purchase. And Karla continued to build the nest egg that would become the down payment on her home. But money was only one of many contributions she made. Working nights as a CNA, she attended a series of meetings and seminars designed to educate and inform her on the responsibilities associated with owning a home. She sacrificed sleep in order to put in over 300 hours of “sweat equity,” an integral component of the Habitat for Humanity program. And she did it all with a tremendous sense of gratitude, not only for the opportunity to own a home, but for the efforts of countless volunteers and support staff who were right there beside her, raising not only a roof, but the hopes of one family so desperately in need of a stepping stone.

It wasn’t easy, but she did it. And when she moved her children into their new home, something amazing happened: they blossomed. Her boy didn’t just walk; he ran. Her girl slept soundly in her own room, secure in the knowledge that

she would go to the same school when she woke up the next morning. Secure in the feeling that she was somewhere safe, permanent. Karla, who had by now become well-versed in the details of maintaining a property, had the peace of mind that this house was more than just an address; it was a legacy of love. “I told my kids, ‘This is our land, our dream,’” she explains. “My children will work and take care of their home, even when I am gone.”

Understanding what a Habitat for Humanity home is means learning what it isn’t. It is the result of hundreds of hours of sweat equity, a residence purchased by a homeowner who places a down payment on the property and who takes responsibility for making monthly mortgage payments. It isn’t a free home. The gift that Habitat for Humanity gives to families is far more than a physical structure. It’s hope, accountability, purpose, and opportunity. Through hard work, participation in classes and seminars, and financial responsibility, families are given a chance to make something better for themselves.

Renée Snyder

“I’m a part of something bigger than me.”

Executive Director Renée Snyder, whose professional background has proven an ideal foundation for her role with Habitat, is optimistic about the organization’s outlook.

Despite a staggering foreclosure rate across the country, she notes, Habitat homeowners are consistently bucking trends, staying well below the national average. “Our homeowners are truly invested in their properties,” she explains. “They have played an integral role in building or rehabilitating their houses, and have spent many hours learning about their financial responsibilities.” An ongoing system of support, she adds, enables Habitat homeowners to reach out for advice or assistance when necessary.

“We collect mortgage payments directly from our homeowners, which allows us to closely monitor their financial trends,” explains Renée. The organization’s continued involvement helps to ensure that homeowners don’t fall through the cracks, contributing to the trend of foreclosed or abandoned properties.

A Habitat for Humanity home is an integral part of the community in which it is located. Homes are sold to residents at market value, which keeps neighborhood values competitive and accurate. Habitat for Humanity has recently begun to acquire foreclosed residences, utilizing volunteers to rehabilitate and renovate properties for eventual sale to partner families. “This is a great benefit to homeowners throughout the neighborhood, who now aren’t dealing with abandoned, unsightly and unsafe properties,” notes Renée.

Today’s Habitat for Humanity homes are more eco-friendly, created with the needs of Sarasota’s residents in mind. “We aspire to create homes that are affordable and sustainable,” Renée explains. “From energy-efficient air conditioners and hot water heaters, to high-impact hurricane windows, we see the longterm benefits in these initial investments.” Rehabilitated homes, adds Renée, have seen upwards of 50% reduction on utility bills thanks to Habitat’s use of high efficiency lighting and appliances, along with eco-friendly landscaping.

“I have the honor and privilege to learn from and work among amazingly talented, smart, dedicated, caring and diverse individuals every day.”

“I share the tears of joy and accomplishment with our Habitat homeowners who work tirelessly and great sacrifice.“ ”I wake up every morning and thank God for another day to make a difference.”

What makes it possible for Habitat for Humanity to provide affordable housing throughout North Sarasota County is ongoing community support from individuals and organizations. And while most people might envision the typical volunteer as someone pounding nails on a new construction project, there is a range of opportunities to contribute to Habitat for Humanity. “Our volunteers do everything from providing administrative support in our offices, to working at our ReStore sites, to helping coordinate fundraising events throughout the year,” says Renée. The organization also accepts donations of building materials and supplies, appliances, furniture, books and jewelry, which are sold to the public through Sarasota Habitat’s two ReStore locations. The organization’s deconstruction program is an excellent resource for local contractors and individuals; skilled and experienced laborers will remove unwanted construction materials such as tile, fixtures and cabinetry, for resale through ReStore. “Not only are we saving individuals the trouble of hauling away their unwanted materials, but we are keeping them out of landfills,” notes Renée.

“It’s a popular program.”

Financial gifts are an integral component of the ongoing success of Habitat for Humanity, which continues to invest in rehabilitating houses as well as developing new builds.

“A monetary gift is one that multiplies,” explains Renée.

32

|

REAL Magazine

|

www.the-real-magazine.com

“With so many families in need of affordable housing, we see a never ending opportunity to build and refurbish homes for new buyers.”

Habitat for Humanity is excited about the launch of a recent partnership program in which corporations, businesses and organizations seeking team-building opportunities partner up with Habitat for designated projects. “This promotes camaraderie within an organization, and gives participants a real sense of purpose,” observes Renée. “We have had success within the real estate community including the Sarasota Association of REALTORS® and Signature Sotheby’s International Realty, and we look forward to working with other local brokerages and organizations.”

Our ReStore business model is that we are the Ultimate Recycle Program.

Habitat Sarasota diverts over one million pounds of reusable products out of our landfills every year.

How do we do this? We clean, recycle and re-sell donated goods. Proceeds from donated goods are then “recycled” to provide Habitat houses!

Picture: Renée with Vice Chair, Graeme Malloch, and ReStore Operations Director, Jed Daniels (right).

Turn your donations into treasures!

An enthusiastic shopper described why she shops at Habitat ReStores… ”The thrill of the hunt keeps bringing me back, and what really makes shopping here special is...

I’m shopping for a cause.”

Renée has earned honors as the National Association of Professional Women’s “Woman of the Year.” The award reflects her dedicated efforts and her vision for Habitat for Humanity and its partner families. “I have always been a passionate advocate for affordable housing,” she reveals.

“I believe in the opportunity for individuals to achieve the dream of home ownership.”

Habitat homeowner Karla Arroglia agrees. “I tell everyone about Habitat for Humanity,” she asserts. “I love my home, and want others to have an opportunity to have a better life.

It takes determination and focus, but it is worth it all in the end.”

Sarasota Habitat for Humanity recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, and to date has made home-ownership a reality for over 200 partner families. The organization services just under 170 mortgages; the rest have been paid off by hardworking homeowners who take pride and accountability in their residences. Habitat for Humanity looks forward to ongoing projects throughout Sarasota, where partner families will continue to develop roots and blossom within their new homes and communities.

The Future Involves Youth

“It consistently amazes me that despite their rigorous class schedules, Ringling College students find time to give back to the community through a myriad of volunteer service. Habitat for Humanity Sarasota is one their favorite organizations.

Each year, during New Student Orientation, we send a group of students to Habitat sites including homes that are being built, the “ReStore,” Neighborhood Stabilization Program houses, and ReHabitat.

This year, during Orientation, students also painted a large “advertisement” mural on the Habitat Clearance Center exterior facing 17th street which explains to passers-by how the cycle of giving helps Habitat place families in homes.

You’ll find Ringling students involved in Saturday “build days” two to three times per semester and this past March our 5th Annual Local Alternative Spring Break Project with Habitat for Humanity Sarasota involved 20 students over four days. It is estimated that nearly 75 students have volunteered with Habitat for Humanity Sarasota this year, and many of those students repeat! I am so proud of Ringling students and their spirit of giving back.”

Dr. Larry Thompson, President, Ringling College of Art and Design “Ringling Students Rock! Ringling student groups bring fresh ideas and renewed energy to Habitat each time they volunteer. They bring their willingness to give of their time, share their creativity and they do this with such collaboration and organization…It’s a treat to observe! In February, several students designed a “giving tree” that helped raise $10,000 for our ReStore Grand Opening Gala. Last year, one hundred twenty five students volunteered and contributed 865 hours.

Thank you Ringling Students for all that you do for Habitat and the families we serve.”

Renée Snyder

Habitat for Humanity Sarasota www.habitatsrq.org Administrative Office 1757 North East Avenue Sarasota, FL 34234 (941) 365.0700

ReStore I 2095 17th Street Sarasota, FL 34234 (941) 363.0777

ReStore II 4409 Bee Ridge Road Sarasota, FL 34233 (941) 487.7378

For large item pickup (941) 363.0777