HabiChat
The Official Quarterly Newsletter from Pensacola Habitat for Humanity
October-December 2025
The Latest from Pensacola Habitat for Humanity:
What We’ve Accomplished
Mark Your Calendars
What’s New with Pensacola Habitat
Hear from our President and CEO Sam Young and read our latest impact report!
Learn about the 2025 Gala and Executive Builds and prepare for our upcoming Women Build and Interfaith Luncheon!
Read about exciting updates for some of our programs and check in with the ReStore and our volunteers!
Sucess Stories and Community Impact Hear about how Pensacola Habitat for Humanity’s programs and services are making a difference in the lives of those who have been served by them!
PENSACOLA HABITAT
IN FOCUS
A glimpse into the moments that build homes, strenghthen communities, and change lives.
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a few words from our CEO
Michael R. King Chair
Mike Stahl Chair Elect
Amber Griffith, CPA Treasurer
D. Brent Hargett Secretary
Dick Baker Connie Bookman Dawn L. Brazwell Alvis E. Collins Amir Michael Fooladi Siobhán Gallagher Darnell Sims Frank J. Smith Dr. Lusharon Wiley Larry Watson, Jr. Jarl (J.T.) Young Robert B. Young Robin Zimmern
Betty Salter Emeritus Director
Sam Young President/CEO
The expanding continuum of Pensacola Habitat for Humanity reflects more than organizational growth—it represents the formation of a permanent local housing infrastructure. By evolving from a single-purpose builder into a full-spectrum housing solutions partner, Pensacola Habitat now operates as a stabilizing institution within the regional housing ecosystem. This model allows local, state, and federal partners to pursue affordability, workforce housing, and neighborhood revitalization objectives through a trusted delivery system that is built for long-term performance—not short-term market cycles. That means we will continue to invest in the Northwest Florida Community Land Trust, offering more families the ability to attain affordable homeownership. We will continue to expand our affordable Rental Program, helping to serve those who aren’t quite ready for homeownership still receive the benefits of safe and stable housing. Our Community Development Program will continue to flourish, assisting existing homeowners with vital home repairs and accessibility modifications that will preserve their homes for years to come. All the while, our ReStore will keep delivering incredible value to shoppers at bargain prices and our HUD Housing Counseling services will help those in our community in need of financial guidance. Thanks to the support of our community, we’ve served 50+ families with new, affordable homes each of the last few years. We’re hoping to continue that momentum by reaching new heights this year, keeping our community top of mind. Together, we can make affordable homeownership a reality in our community.
Sam Young, President/CEO
donate
Board of Directors
We begin 2026 with endless optimism and boundless excitement for the future of our mission. 2025 was an incredible success for us, from our home production totals to the new programs we launched and so much more. Each and every day, we’re working diligently in executing our mission and reimagining how we can have even greater impact in the communities we serve.
Every contribution counts! By donating to Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, you help build affordable homes and strengthen our community. Whether it’s a small gift or a larger one, your generosity makes a lasting impact and brings hope to local families. Scan this QR code to view different ways to support!
pensacolahabitat.org/donate
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how we are making an impact
QUARTERLY IMPACT REPORT
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2025
over 197 days of 4,742 from 553 that’s hard work paying off! volunteer hours
volunteers
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6
10
5
new homeowners
new home builds started
clients served through the HUD Housing Counseling program
completed projects through the Community Development Program
shop. donate. volunteer.
23175 items donated
358
258
tons of donated goods diverted from landfills
free pickups completed 3
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY Habitat for Humanity International founder Millard Fuller at our Blitz Build in 1996
50 YEARS OF SERVICE Habitat for Humanity International was officially founded on Sept. 24, 1976, and has served more than 62 million people around the world in all 50 U.S. states and more than 60 countries. What started on Koinonia Farm in Americus, Georgia, has become a global movement that has reimagined what dedication donors, volunteers, partners and supporters can do in the fight to make affordable homeownership possible for all. We’re honored to be a small part of such an incredible network of service!
WE’RE RANKED #8 IN THE NATION!!! We’re excited to announce that we’re now the 8th highest-producing affiliate nationwide! This ranking comes out each year and is a reflection based on the last three years of production. We couldn’t have reached such incredible heights without your support - whether you’ve volunteered, donated, sponsored us, attended one of our events or even just spread the word.
The home dedication for our first Community Land Trust home in Santa Rosa County (Nov. 2025)
Join us for our upcoming interfaith luncheon! We invite you to our 2nd Annual Interfaith Engagement Luncheon. Join us at the Asbury Place at Cokesbury Church on Wednesday, February 11 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. A delicious lunch will be served while fostering faith-based collaboration, meaningful opportunities, and much deserved recognition for 2025 Faith Builders!
Scan this QR code to reserve your spot or click this link!
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The House That Built Me - Annual Gala In case you missed it, our 5th Annual Gala was on November 6th. It was a night filled with inspiring stories from homeowners and support for all the amazing work we do in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. Pensacola Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to celebrating our mission and showing the powerful impact that affordable homeownership has on families, individuals, and our communities. This year, we gathered at a beautiful new venue, Supposey Warehouse & Gardens, to honor the theme "The House that Built Me.” Our guests enjoyed an evening filled with remarkable food and an open bar featuring delicious specialty-themed cocktails, “The Blue Print” and “Home Sweet Home.” Guests were welcomed into a vibrant atmosphere focused on connection and purpose, accompanied by live entertainment from Brynne & Bones, and participated in silent and live auctions for one-of-a-kind items and experiences. This year, the Gala raised $140,000! All of those proceeds help build homes, communities, and hope for local families. Thank you for joining us to make a difference and a special thank you to our partners and sponsors who helped make it possible! Keep an eye out on our social media pages for the 2026 Gala date!
Executive Build 2025! Pensacola Habitat for Humanity is thrilled to recognize Gulf Winds Credit Union, Navy Federal Credit Union, Baptist Health Care, and South State Bank for putting their leadership into action and being a part of Executive Build 2025! Executive Build is more than just construction, it’s an opportunity to build stronger communities. Join companies like these and make an impact by signing up today! pensacolahabitat.org/execbuild
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WOMEN BUILD 2026
Scan here to register!
BECOME A SPONSOR! Know a business or someone who might be interested in becoming a sponsor for Women Build? There are many different ways to make a difference and support Pensacola Habitat for Humanity Women Build through sponsorship. Visit pensacolahabitat.org/sponsorships to learn more about how you can get your name out in the community!
Registration for Women Build 2026 is now open!
Want to feel empowered and make a difference? Register today for Women Build 2026! Last year, Women Builders raised over $155,000! This year lets beat that record and go even higher with a goal of 175,000! You can register at womenbuild.pensacolahabitat.org
Women Build Open House and Kickoff!
Scan here to fill out the Sponsorship form!
Join us on January 29th from 11 AM TO 1 PM for the Women Build Kickoff and Open House! This is a great time to see the hard work of last years Women Builders and to learn more about Women Build and why you should get involved! Click here to RSVP!
TogetHER we build & make a difference Women Build is an empowering opportunity that can create positive change in our communities. Throughout the year, participants raise money and help build at least one affordable home for a family in the Pensacola Habitat for Humanity Homebuyer Program. 6
New Year, New Home!
Click this link or scan the QR code to learn more about how YOU can become a homeowner!
A new year is the perfect time to take the next step toward homeownership. Our homebuyer programs have no waitlist! Additionally, we have updated our credit score requirement and are now accepting applicants with a minimum 620 credit score! If you have been dreaming of a safe, affordable place to call home or know someone on the hunt, there’s no time like the present to start an application. With home customization options, multiple floor plans ranging from two to four bedrooms and locations across Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties, there’s something for everybody!
volunteer highlight - corry station marines Volunteers power our success as an organization. They help ensure not only that our homes are built on schedule, they help our ReStore operate efficiently and can even be a big help at our events and Community Development projects. We have many, many dedicated volunteers, but over the last few months, one group has stood head and shoulders above the rest. The U.S. Marines at Corry Station have gone above and beyond the call of duty to really make an impact across our organization. From October 1 through December 31, 64 unique volunteers from this group spent 949.66 hours serving our mission. That’s 20% of our volunteer output from the quarter and the equivalent of nearly two full-time employees! While we saw plenty of them on the build site, these brave men and women stepped up often to help assemble furniture and assist our ReStore in their operations, and contributed many a helping hand on landscaping and yard cleanup efforts as well. They were consistent, reliable and available whenever we were in a pinch. If we ever needed a few extra volunteers to get something done, we knew we could count on them. Thank you Corry Station Marines for setting such an incredible example in our community and making an enormous impact on our mission!
reach out to volunteer@pensacolahabitat.org to get involved in our mission!
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rental program update We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve had five new tenants successfully move into our first rental homes! This new program will help stabilize the cost of living for individuals and families in our community - and help prepare them to be ready for eventual homeownership. Stay tuned for future rental properties to be added to the program in the coming months!
stay up-to-date on our rental program at pensacolahabitat.org/rentals
want to help? call the WE OFFER FREE PICK UP! Your stuff builds homes! Got a couch you no longer need, a bed frame in good shape or another household item that could use a new home? Consider donating those household goods and materials in good condition to the Pensacola Habitat for Humanity ReStore to support local families, prevent waste, and receive tax deductions. Call (850) 476-0001 or visit pensacolarestore.com/donate to schedule your free pick up!
open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 6 pm @PensacolaRestore
Scan to schedule your FREE donation pick-up!
@restorepensacola 6931 N 9th Ave Ste 29, Pensacola, FL 32504
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Before
After
Before
Serving Those Who’ve Served Us: A Repair Project Success Story Walter, 82, is a homeowner and an Air Force Veteran who needed some critical repairs thanks to damage from Hurricane Sally. He needed repairs to his HVAC, duct work, new siding, a new front door, ramp and stair repairs outside his home and a few other repairs.
After
Walter also needed some extensive work done in his yard. Heavy cleanup, trimming and other beautification work was necessary for his yard to once again become a sanctuary for him. Luckily for Walter, he knew about Pensacola Habitat for Humanity’s Community Development Program and applied for assistance. “It’s a beautiful neighborhood, always has been, and I just want my home to look good like all the other homes,” said Walter. “It’s the kind of repair work that is very, very difficult for folks that are getting on in years, and this opportunity is extremely helpful and I’m extremely thankful.” Thanks to funding from committed partners like the Home Depot Foundation and Publix Super Markets Charities and the hard work of our Marine volunteers, Walter has the critical repairs he needed to continue aging gracefully and safely in his home! Our Community Development works to help existing homeowners preserve their homeownership, strengthen our community and empower residents to be a force for change. Learn more about our ongoing efforts at pensacolahabitat.org/communitydevelopment.
Homeowner Spotlight Christal is a mom of two, and works as a medical assistant while earning her degree in nursing. After years of renting, Christal became a Pensacola Habitat homeowner in 2024. This milestone has transformed not only her life, but her children’s lives as well. “I was renting and tired of wasting money on rent. I wanted to own a home and give my children a nice backyard. That dream has came true!” Before joining the Homebuyer Program, Christal and her two children were living in an upstairs apartment where playing outdoors wasn’t possible and space was tight. Today, her children have their own rooms, a front and back yard and a safe place to call home. Christal now has a sense of peace and stability that once felt like it was impossible to reach. Christal shares that one of the most emotional parts of her homeownership journey was when she watched her lot being cleared, and watching her home be built from the ground up. Through her sweat equity, she learned new skills and gained a deeper understanding for the work and dedication it takes to achieve a dream. “The day I received my keys felt like I had accomplished a major goal in my life. It made me emotional to see how proud I made my family.” Now Christal’s favorite part of her home is the kitchen, where she loves to cook and make the space her own. One of her most cherished memories so far is decorating the Christmas tree with her family. “I finally did it. I feel more secure in my life.” Learn more about our home purchase programs at pensacolahabitat.org/programs.
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PENSACOLA HABITAT
IN FOCUS
A glimpse into the moments that build homes, strenghthen communities, and change lives.
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Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit #554 Pensacola, FL P.O. Box 13204 • Pensacola, FL 32591-3204 Main Office 850-434-5456 Pensacola ReStore 850-476-0001
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Check out all of our links at linktr.ee/pensacolahabitat
Check out our upcoming events! Visit pensacolahabitat.org/events
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We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or sources of income.