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Honoring a legacy of action: the house that Kitty built

By June 11, 2020June 12th, 2020No Comments

Habitat board members were joined by FGCU staff at the “house that Kitty built” wall raising.

A year ago, Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties learned that long-time President and CEO Kitty Green would be leaving the organization to accept a position with Florida Gulf Coast University.

During her nearly two decades of service, Kitty’s vision and leadership were central to elevating the issue of home affordability and Habitat’s role in the community, helping to make the Lee and Hendry Counties affiliate one of the highest producing in the United States.

Having recently celebrated the 1600th local family served with affordable homeownership opportunities, Habitat for Humanity’s all-volunteer board of directors grappled with how best to recognize Kitty’s remarkable impact on our community.

“Somehow, a plaque didn’t seem like an appropriate token to memorialize the impact Kitty had toward that impressive milestone,” Gary Aubuchon, then chairman of the Habitat board of directors, said. “Kitty’s legacy is one of action, of making audacious goals materialize.”

Then, a long-time Habitat donor suggested the board of directors make an audacious goal of their own—raise $50,000 to sponsor a home in Kitty’s honor. The board members acted swiftly, and in less than a week, past and current members had donated the funds.

Construction on the house that Kitty built began last December. This May, Habitat partner family Sergio and Damaris moved into their affordable three-bedroom, two-bathroom Cape Coral home.

The morning he closed on his new home, Sergio pondered his family’s future and expressed his gratitude to Kitty, the board of directors, and everyone who made it possible, “I just want to thank everyone who was involved in this process, there were a lot of people involved, I’ll never forget your hard work. Thank you.”

From everyone at Habitat for Humanity, thank you, Kitty and Habitat’s amazing Board Members, past and present, for your dedication to ensuring everyone in Southwest Florida has a decent place to live.

           

Seeking to put God's love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.