ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – With the costs of home construction rising, a local nonprofit is making adjustments to help build affordable housing for low-income families.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando & Osceola County is increasing fundraising efforts to stay on schedule with its current construction pace.
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“Materials continue to increase, and vendor costs continue to increase, but the difference between Habitat and a for-profit builder is we have to raise the money to build the home,” President and CEO Catherine McManus said.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost for new residential construction rose 4.2% over the last year.
“Just material costs. Lumber, wiring, you name it. Concrete is even more expensive,” McManus said. “Our fundraising team is out there every day working to share the impact we’re making in the community and asking people for support.”
Since 2020, building costs have risen by roughly 45%. The increase has been driven by a number of factors, including labor shortages, high demand, and storm-related construction.
In addition to fundraising, McManus said the nonprofit’s newly launched Faith Build initiative may also help offset some of the cost increases.
“Amazing volunteers helping us build a home, which does help decrease the cost a little because they’re doing the work that we would typically have to pay someone to do,” McManus said. “Secondly, it is getting people to understand the work that Habitat does, and then they go out and spread the word.”
For details on the homeownership program for Habitat Orlando & Osceola, click here.