Habitat for Humanity dedicates three new homes for trio of Marathon local families

Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys recently welcomed its 49^th, 50^th and 51^st families to homeownership in Marathon.

A dedication ceremony was held July 1 at the newly-built duplex on 105^th Street, welcoming two families to the home. A third family, who are taking over a previously-built Habitat for Humanity home on 51^st Street, also was celebrated during the event at the newest Habitat home.

“Our work is vital to the sustainability of our community and our island,” Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys Executive Director Chris Todd Young told the crowd. “Habitat is sincerely grateful to our supporters who made this day possible.”

Young recognized sponsors D’Asign Source and Aquarium Encounters, which donated $200,000 each to the building of the home.

Following opening remarks from Keys Contracting Services owner Chris Gratton and Affinity Modular District Sales Manager Peter Barbuti, Habitat Family Services Manager Meghan Bolen introduced the three families and presented each with a welcome basket from Habitat and a cutting board from Affinity Modular.

Pastor John Krainer led the families – Demetrius, Charmel and Ali, and Jorge, Nicole, and Amelia from the 105^th Street home, and Brandon, Nicole, Eli and Leo from the 51^st Street duplex – and attendees in the Litany of Dedication before all three families took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Numerous city and county dignitaries and staff were on hand for the event, including Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln, Marathon Mayor Lynny Del Gaizo, Marathon City Council member Robyn Still, City Clerk Diane Clavier and Parks and Recreation Director Scott Williamson.

Additional financial support for the build was provided by Publix Super Markets Charities, Baptist Health, First Horizon Foundation, the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys and the Florida Association of Realtors, as well as many individual, business, and community donors.

The half-duplexes at the 105th Street location each have two bedrooms and 1½ bathrooms; the home at 51st Street has three bedrooms and 2½ bathrooms. The families are required to complete 100 hours of “sweat equity” in the building and preparation of the homes.

Young noted each family will put in a total of 350 hours of sweat equity, with an additional 250 hours providing assistance to Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys and other local non-profits.