FORT MYERS – Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties has received a $250,000 grant from Publix Super Markets Charities in support of the organization’s ongoing efforts to address the growing need for affordable housing.

The grant from Publix Charities is helping make possible the construction of a new Habitat home in Lehigh Acres. To honor that commitment, more than 25 volunteers, including Publix associates, helped raise the walls of the single-family home on Feb. 28. Volunteers worked alongside the future Habitat homeowner, a single mother seeking the stability and opportunity that homeownership will provide for her family.

“Publix’s investment in affordable housing continues to open doors for our partnering families who are ready to build a better future,” said Karole Davis, donor development specialist for Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties. “We’re grateful for their partnership and for the associates who showed up to build hope alongside us.”

The future home is part of the 54 new Habitat homes being built in Lee and Hendry counties this fiscal year. Through the Affordable Homeownership Program, Habitat homebuyers perform 300 hours of sweat equity, complete over 20 hours of financial literacy classes, pay $2,000 towards closing costs and pay an affordable mortgage set at no more than 30% of their income.

Publix Charities has partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties for nearly 30 years.

“We believe every family deserves a safe, stable place to call home,” said John Doran, executive director of Publix Super Markets Charities. “We are honored to support Habitat for Humanity and proud to continue partnering with them in their mission to help expand access to affordable homeownership for families in our communities.”

The recent contribution is part of Publix Charities’ broader commitment to more than 300 nonprofit organizations across the Southeast focused on housing and shelter services. Since 2015, PSMC has contributed over $69 million to build homes and provide transitional and emergency shelter across its operating area.

To learn more about Habitat for Humanity’s programs or how to become a home sponsor, visit Habitat4Humanity.org.