On Friday, April 5, long distance swimmer and motivational speaker Diana Nyad brought her EverWalk team back to Big Pine to help Habitat for Humanity build and rebuild homes. Nyad has been a Keys celebrity since 2013, for swimming unassisted from Havana to Key West at age 64, and she’s continued to give back to the community.
Susan Kent, family services director for Habitat, said, “This is the second year with Diana bringing her EverWalk group here and working with us.” The Habitat team was working on four houses on Big Pine, doing everything from roofing, siding and finishing work. Habitat’s Critical Repair Program has been working feverishly in the Lower Keys since the ravages of Hurricane Irma in 2017.
Habitat for Humanity of Key West and the Lower Keys was also recognized at the Partners in Paradise Awards April 5 for Community Service. Habitat was honored as the local nonprofit making the biggest impact on affordable housing and hurricane recovery.
“We’re glad to be working together at making a bigger impact on the Lower Keys and improving every day,” said Executive Director Greg Brown. The good news for homeowners still recovering from Irma? Habitat is continuing to help.
“If there are folks who are still negotiating with the county or their insurance companies and looking for assistance, we do have a sliding scale and financial guidelines to work with applicants,” Kent said, “We are still taking applications.” Kent also said that they are still looking for volunteers for the spring and summer “Even if it’s just for one day.” For more information on applications for assistance or volunteering contact volunteer@habitatlowerkeys.org .
