One of the 76 Habitat homeowners symbolically shredding her mortgage at the Paid in Full celebration.
A Night of Celebration
On November 10, Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties celebrated a significant milestone at our Paid in Full Celebration, recognizing 76 local homeowners who have achieved the milestone of mortgage-free status over the past two years. This achievement signifies not only stability and financial freedom but also opens the door to generational opportunities for these families.
Since 1982, Habitat has built more than 1,900 affordable homes in partnership with local families. Through its Affordable Homeownership Program, Habitat families purchase homes with mortgages set at no more than 30% of their monthly income after completing sweat equity hours, financial education classes, and paying $2,000 in closing costs.
The Paid in Full event honored the journey of these homeowners, from the moment they walk through Habitat’s doors to the first time they dedicated and blessed their homes, all the way to the final mortgage payment.
Habitat’s Vice President of Resource and Development Cece Willis summed up the night perfectly: “Tonight marks the final chapter in their journey – the moment a family can truly say, ‘My home is mine,’” she said.
The event featured a symbolic mortgage shredding and certificates for the paid in full homeowners. Each ceremonious shredding on stage was followed by a roar of applause from an audience filled with the homeowner’s family members, friends, and Habitat supporters and staff.
A Home that Opens Doors to New Opportunities
“Some people don’t realize how hard it actually is to pay off a mortgage,” said Will Prather, owner of Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, who generously underwrote the Paid in Full event. “It takes discipline, long hours, hard work and fiscal responsibility. I’m very honored to be a part of that today.”
The dedication Will speaks of is evident in the journeys of Habitat homeowners like Luis, one of the 76 honored at the event.
When he first came to Habitat, Luis was a part-time worker at Publix. Since closing on his home in April 2014, a world of opportunities opened for him and his family.
Luis became a nurse, while his wife was able to earn her master’s degree in special education and become a teacher. They made their last mortgage payment in April 2024.
“Thanks to Habitat, I was able to continue growing,” Luis said at the event. “Just last Friday, I submitted my dissertation proposal as a PhD student. Thank you, Habitat, and thank you, God.”
Another testament to the impact of affordable homeownership is Charlie Mitchell, a resident of Harlem Heights whose family has deep roots in the community, spanning four generations.
Charlie reflected on how Habitat’s program changed the trajectory of his family’s lives. With personal and professional accomplishments under his belt, he attributes much of his progress to Habitat. He earned a master’s degree and is now the Pastor for Summit Church and the Executive Director of Maroon House.
“None of that stuff would’ve happened if Habitat and God didn’t come together to make a dream become a reality,” Charlie said. “Tonight, we celebrate dreams still coming true.”
Looking Ahead
Seventy-six families had their dreams come true as they stepped into a future filled with freedom, opportunity, and the confidence that comes with owning their homes outright.
During the event, Habitat’s CEO Becky Lucas referenced what screenwriter Randall Wallace once said about Habitat for Humanity. “It is a perpetual motion miracle, meaning that it’s goodness set in motion multiplying across generations in only ways our God can measure,” she said.
“This evening, we not only celebrate our amazing homeowners but also the mission that brings us all together,” Becky emphasized in her speech. “As we part ways tonight, the only thing I ask is to keep this motion miracle going.”
