Bringing together support from donors, sponsors and volunteers is the heart of Habitat for Humanity. It takes a village to address the need for affordable housing, and our work is only possible because of the partnerships we’ve built. We are fortunate to have passionate and generous communities of people who run peer-to-peer campaigns to support our mission.
Pelican Landing and the Colony, Bonita Bay and the Shadow Wood Charitable Foundation combine donations and volunteer time to build homes with families in Bonita Springs. While the local housing market shows signs of softening, our region continues to outpace the national average in housing costs and rent, making our work just as essential.
Thanks to their efforts, families now have the foundation to build better futures in the Carolina Cove neighborhood, where these three communities raised the walls and the funds to make these homeowners’ dreams a reality.
Pelican Landing and The Colony
Pelican Landing and The Colony are community-minded residents who have supported Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties for 23 years.
Their efforts are led by a resident-run fundraising committee made up of passionate individuals who believe in Habitat’s mission. Each year, they rally their neighbors to contribute funds and volunteer time to build homes, community, and hope.
Oleksandr celebrating his homeownership journey with Pelican Landing and The Colony committee members at his home dedication.
“I struggle with the misconception in the community that these houses are given away,” said Pat Guerin, a Pelican Landing and
The Colony Committee Member and Volunteer. “The folks that get them, buy them. It’s definitely not a handout; it’s a hand up.”
In March, PLTC residents came together for a wall-raising event to build future homeowner Oleksandr’s home. Oleksandr is a 50-year-old father who has spent two years living with three roommates, making it difficult for him to spend quality time with his teenage son.
Then, on October 10, 2025, community members gathered once again, but this time to celebrate the dedication of Oleksandr’s new home. This milestone was made possible through the support and generosity of the PLTC community.
“Just knowing that I could play a part in somebody being able to afford a house that maybe otherwise couldn’t – that’s what brings me out here today,” Guerin said.
Bonita Bay
Bonita Bay is a vibrant community with residents who support many charitable community organizations, including Habitat.
This year, they celebrated an exciting milestone of raising the walls on their 70th and 71st Habitat home since 2002. Over the years, Bonita Bay has gathered more than 63 neighborhood captains who have led peer-to-peer fundraising efforts, supported by a dedicated volunteer group known as the Nail Pounders, which participates in wall raisings and build days.
“The reason I and the volunteers from Bonita Bay do this is to give back to families that are not as fortunate as us and to give their kids a loving home,” said Chuck Pytlarz, Nail Pounder Crew Leader and Committee Member.
Ashleigh and her two sons with Bonita Bay committee members at their home dedication ceremony.
This year, the Nail Pounders helped raise the walls on a home for Ashleigh, a single mother of two. Ashleigh and her children lived in her mother’s home, which experienced five feet of flooding during Hurricane Ian and has flooded with every hurricane since.
Terrified by the instability of her housing situation, Ashleigh found hope through Habitat. “Habitat became our safe harbor – a place where hope took root again.”
“My children will grow up knowing that with hard work, faith, and the support of others, even after life’s storms, you can rebuild stronger than before.”
Shadow Wood Charitable Foundation
Shadow Wood Charitable Foundation is a generous advocate for many local causes, including efforts to address the affordable housing crisis.
Their partnership with Habitat began in 2004, when a dedicated group of Shadow Wood residents contributed to our mission and helped build homes. Recognizing their ability to make an even greater impact, they established their charitable foundation in 2012.
Shadow Wood Charitable Foundation celebrates with Iliany and her son at their home dedication.
“What truly drives us is our desire to give back to our community,” said Pat Douglas, the Shadow Wood Volunteer Lead.
Residents of Shadow Wood find contributing their time and resources to Habitat fulfilling and rewarding. “And the most rewarding part is that we can attend the home dedication and meet the new homeowner,” Pat said.
Most recently, Shadow Wood celebrated the home dedication of Iliany, a mother to a young child. Her apartment and daycare consumed most of her income, leaving little room for other expenses. Because of her restricted budget, saving for a home felt impossible. But thanks to the generosity of Shadow Wood Charitable Foundation, Iliany and her child now have a safe and stable place to call home.
