Habitat for Humanity - Hurricane Michael Response

Carol and Al (pictured above) are celebrating the new year by working alongside Habitat volunteers to finish the rehabilitation of their future home. The anticipated move-in date is March 2020. Like many across the Florida panhandle, siblings Carol (59) and Al (58) are currently living in a mobile home that sustained damage during Hurricane Michael, the devastating Category 5 hurricane that created an estimated $25.1 billion in damages in October 2018. Due to the storm-related damages of the mobile home, the siblings have suffered with high utility bills and unsafe conditions.

Carol is Al’s older sister and has been a caregiver to him for a number of years, as he is disabled. In addition to caring for her brother, Carol is employed as a caregiver in the community. She enjoys cooking, cleaning and visiting with her clients.

After spending their entire adult lives as renters, Carol and Al are on the path to decent, affordable housing which will allow them to age in place—and with a mortgage that is half the price they currently pay for substandard housing. They are overjoyed to have a place of their own to call home.

With the engagement of 52 volunteers, logging approximately 1480 volunteer hours, Chipola Area Habitat rehabilitated 2 homes in 2019 and also facilitated permanent repairs on 6 homes and completed emergency repairs and/or removed debris from 18 homes.

In the new year, Chipola Area Habitat for Humanity is launching an aggressive plan that consists of increased partnerships, diversified housing solutions, and a call to action for more volunteers. The goal for 2020 is to build 7 homes in partnership with qualifying, disaster-affected families, and to repair at least 5 more homes.

The generous donations of both time and resources is greatly appreciated and needed as many are still recovering from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Michael. In addition to safe and decent housing, Habitat is building hope for many people, like Carol and Al.