ORLANDO, Fla. – Habitat for Humanity is celebrating the completion of its 10th home built in Orlando’s Parramore neighborhood over the last year.
On Monday, Habitat for Humanity teamed up with Rosen Hotels & Resorts and the City of Orlando to cut the ribbon on the home, which will be sold to a local family with an affordable mortgage.
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The ceremony coincided with World Habitat Day, which is dedicated to recognizing the right of everyone to have a stable and affordable place to live.
“There was a lot of rental opportunity, but not a lot of homeownership opportunity,” Habitat Orlando & Osceola President & CEO Catherine McManus said.
Since its founding in 1986, Habitat Orlando & Osceola has built more than 70 homes in Parramore – including 10 in the past year.
“It was really important for us to be able to have people that are going to be here for life, hopefully, and really make this their neighborhood.”
For years, the City of Orlando has been a partner of Habitat Orlando & Osceola and has provided grant funds through their Community Investment Program, as well as providing down payment assistance to many Habitat homebuyers.
[WATCH: Habitat for Humanity breaks ground on 1st home in Osceola County]
Austin Robinson is a participant in the Habitat program and recently closed on a nearby home in Parramore.
“It’s life-changing. I have a foundation that I can build on now,” Robinson said. “That’s the beautiful thing. They’re building a community strong with Habitat homes.”
Robinson said he’s grateful for the assistance in becoming a homeowner and is looking forward to meeting his neighbor.
“It’s a beautiful feeling to know I’m a part of a community that cares about the community,” Robinson said.
For details about the programs offered through Habitat Orlando & Osceola, visit the Habitat for Humanity website.