Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County made history on Friday, Nov. 8 with its first-ever home build in Osceola County. This year’s ‘Home for the Holidays’ initiative, in partnership with local construction firm Williams Company, delivered a double impact as two safe and affordable homes began construction in just a matter of weeks, and should be “move in ready” before Christmas!
The groundbreaking ceremony, which included long time Habitat for Humanity advocate Osceola County Chair Cheryl Grieb, took place at 627 Lincoln St. in Kissimmee and marked the beginning of construction for the first home, featuring the pouring of the foundation.
The build brought hope and stability to future homeowners Gloria and Francisco, who celebrated the transformation of a dirt lot into a haven of opportunity and security, marking the realization of their long-held dream to provide their family with a safe and affordable home on Osceola County.
Matt Olberding, Vice President of Operations for Williams Company, added, “We are proud to support Habitat’s mission and to expand our commitment by building two homes this year. This project is a testament to what we can achieve when businesses and nonprofits unite for the common good.”
This marked the fifth consecutive year that Williams Company and its subcontractors and vendors joined forces with Habitat Orlando & Osceola to donate materials and labor for the annual ‘Home for the Holidays’ build. For 2024, the collaboration expanded to include not one but two homes, reinforcing the mission to address Central Florida’s affordable housing crisis.
Catherine Steck McManus, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County, emphasized the importance of this project: “Every family deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. This partnership with Williams Company embodies the spirit of community and generosity that makes transformative change possible.”
Founded in 1986, Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County has built, rehabilitated, or repaired over 900 homes in Central Florida. The organization partners with families and individuals to create affordable housing solutions through construction, repair, and housing education. Habitat Orlando & Osceola is a recognized leader in tackling the region’s housing crisis and is a HUD-certified local Housing Counseling Agency. To learn more, visit HabitatOrlando.org.
Community members celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony and the beginning of this transformative project.
