HOMEOWNER NEWSLETTER
Welcome to ! The Porch Light
As we move further into 2026, we are excited to continue to stay connected to the community and our incredible homeowners. Your home represents growth and the care you put into your future and the neighborhood you live in. In this issue, we’re sharing helpful resources to keep you and your family safe around electricity, summer preparation tips, free community events to keep you involved, and how we can
support you throughout the year. Hurricane season is approaching and now is a great time to begin preparing early and making plans to keep your family safe. These resources are meant to keep you informed, prepared, and connected through so you can feel fully prepared for the upcoming summer months. We look forward to another year of connection, support, and celebration!
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Stay connected to our staff and find 5 useful tips for navigating home insurance.
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Building on Faith with Monique Turner and mindful tips on how to make effective financial decisions to start summer off with a bang!
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Stay connected with Homeowner Hub updates, local alerts, and money-saving tax tips.
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Check out highlights from our 2026 Annual Yard Sale, the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, and the groundbreaking for our new development!
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From hands-on events and special events to helpful workshops, there are plenty of ways to connect, learn, and give back to the community
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Discover what’s happening around town with a bunch of free to low cost community events across Pensacola this May!
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Find resources to make sure you are prepared for hurricane season and seasonal maintenance tips, yard care reminders, electrical safety tips, and Matt’s Maintenance Minute
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Celebrate new homeowners as they join our growing Pensacola Habitat family, each one adding a new branch to our 2026 family tree. Plus, don’t forget about the great deals at our ReStore!
CELEBRATING CONNECTIONS, WELCOMING NEW BEGINNINGS
5 TIPS FOR HOME INSURANCE
1.Shop for Better Rates: Compare quotes from multiple insurance companies before your renewal you could save significantly in just a few minutes
2.Review Your Coverage Annually: Insurance needs and premiums change over time. Make sure your policy stays up to date and provides the right protection. (Keep in mind, an increase in insurance premiums can impact your mortgage payment.)
3 Raise Your Deductible: A higher deductible can lower your monthly premium just be sure you can afford the out-of-pocket cost if needed.
4.Make Smart Home Improvements: Updates like a new roof or replacing an old water heater can reduce risk and may help lower your insurance costs
5 Bundle Home & Auto Policies: Combining policies with the same provider can lead to valuable multi-policy discounts
BUILDING ON FAITH
At Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, we believe that every home built is more than just walls and a roof, it’s a testament to faith, perseverance, and community. Each house is living proof that when we come together in love and service, we can build not only homes, but brighter futures
MoniqueTurner
FaithRelationsCoordinator
As it says in Hebrews 3:4, “For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything ” Your home is a sacred space, a place where memories are made, laughter is shared, and love grows It stands as a symbol of what faith in action can achieve
Let this be a reminder: you are not alone on this journey. You are part of a community rooted in compassion, supported by prayer, and strengthened by our vision that everyone deserves a decent place to live.
May your home continue to be a sanctuary of peace, joy, and purpose
With blessings,
Monique Turner Faith Relations Coordinator
For more information or to get in touch, contact Monique at mturner@pensacolahabitat.org and visit our website at pensacolahabitat.org/faithrelations.
MONEY MINDFULNESS
CLEANING YOUR FINANCES: A 30‑MINUTE MONEY RESET CHECKLIST
Warmer weather has a way of revealing things we ignored over the winter, and for many households, finances could use a quick reset. If the colder months brought higher utility bills and a sense that things feel a little scattered, this 30-minute money reset checklist is a simple way to regain control and move into summer with clarity
Minute 0–5: Take a Clear Snapshot of Your Accounts
Start by getting everything in one place
Open your online banking dashboard or list your accounts on paper
Minute 5–10: Scan Recent Transactions for Red Flags
Look back at the last 30–60 days of activity. Review your: checking account balance, savings balance, and credit cards
Minute 10–15: Check Your Automatic Payments
Automatic payments are convenient, but they deserve occasional attention
Minute 15–20: Revisit Savings Without Overthinking It
This step isn’t about hitting a specific savings target It’s about making sure saving still fits your life right now
Minute 20–25: Do a Security Check
A financial reset is also a good time to confirm your accounts are protected Catching suspicious activity early can help prevent bigger problems later
Minute 25–30: Set One Small, Specific Next Step
End your reset by choosing one action you’ll take in the next week Keep it practical Examples: Cancel one unused subscription, set up or adjust account alerts
NEWSBREAK! REMINDERS
ALERTS NEWS YOU CAN USE
HOMEOWNER HUB PASSWORD
Don’t forget about our online digital platform for tips and resource the Homeowner Hub! The Homeowner Hub has been redesign to make it easier to access the information and resources you ne
Instead of individual logins, the Hub now uses a single password all homeowners. The current password is Home#1. Plea remember this password and page is exclusively for Pensac Habitat Homeowners and should not be shared.
If you have any questions about the new system, our team is here help. You can call us at 850-434-5456.
GET INVOLVED - STAY UPDATED
Local decisions in Santa Rosa and Escambia Counties affect your daily life, from schools and roads to housing and safety By voting, attending meetings, and staying informed, you help shape the place you call home.
Find your district, representatives and sign up for updates : Escambia County Districts -myescambia.com/open-government/districts Santa Rosa County Updates - santarosa fl gov/444/Board-of-County-Commissioners
Your voice matters - stay connected and make it count!
PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS
Florida property owners may qualify for exemptions and benefits that lower property tax bills. Programs like the Homestead Exemption and Save Our Homes assessment limitation save thousands of homeowners money each year. Additional benefits are available for seniors, veterans, active-duty service members, people with disabilities, disabled first responders, and certain specialized properties
Learn more and see if you qualify here: floridarevenue.com/property/Pages/Taxpayers Exemptions.aspx
WHATHAVEYOUMISSED?
2026ANNUALSPRINGYARDSALE
Women Build and Faith Build volunteers came together in the ReStore parking lot to raise money towards our mission, and shoppers got some amazing deals inside!
Read more on Fac
VOLUNTEERAPPRECIATIONLUNCHEON
We celebrated many of our incredible volunteers who make our mission possible with a delicious lunch at the Pensacola Yacht Club and an award ceremony for some of our most impactful volunteers!
Read more on Facebook!
Read more on Instagram!
HANCOCKMEADOWSGROUNDBREAKING
Read more on Facebook! Read more on Instagram!
Community leaders came together to celebrate the groundbreaking of our new development, Hancock Meadows. Pen Air Credit Union presented us with check that will fund a home and community park in the neighborhood.
JoinUs-SpecialEvents
WOMEN BUILD 2026
Women Build empowers build, ct on affordable housing It’s only just beginning and it’s not too late sign up or donate today. Hellp turn dreams of homeownership into reality!
PENSACOLAHABITAT TAKEOVERNIGHT
Join us for a night of baseball, fundraising and fun! 100% of proceeds from our ticket sales and a portion of concessions and 50/50 ticket sale ack into our mission, so be sure ts from us and bring the whole for some Memorial Day Weekend fun! CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS !
volunteering with us! Your support makes a big ce in our community In addition to build sites, get that our ReStore also relies on volunteers to sort donations, assist customers, and keep unning smoothly Volunteering is a great way to nected, give back, and support other families on their journey to homeownership!
JOIN US - WORKSHOPS
You may have already attended our workshops during your journey to homeownership, but you are always welcome to come back. Whether you need a refresher or want to reconnect, we are here to help keep your home and neighborhood strong. Spread the word and bring a friend who could benefit too!
orvisitpensacolahabitat.org/events
10:00am -12:30pm
COMMUNITY EVENTS
May 15, 2026 - 5pm - 9pm
Gallery Night "Festa Italiana"
Location: Plaza Ferdinand & surrounding areas
East Government St and 309 2 Palafox St Pensacola, FL 32502
May 16, 2026 - 10pm to 8pm
Pensacola Pickles and Wings Family Festival
Location: Seville Square
311 E Government St
Pensacola, FL 32502
May 16, 2026 - 12pm - 4pm
Home Sweet Home Gulf Coast Block Party
Location: Blue Wahoos Stadium
351 W Cedar St
Pensacola, FL 32502
May 17, 2026 - 10am - 2pm
Support the Locals Art Market
Location: Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida
105 North S St Pensacola, FL 32505
May 30, 2026 - 6pm - 9:30pm
Movies in the Park
Location: Hunter Amphitheatre
351 W Main Street
Pensacola, FL 32502
May 21, 2026 - 6:05pm
Pensacola Habitat for Humanity Takeover Night
Location: Blue Wahoos Stadium
351 W Cedar St
Pensacola, FL 32502
May 29, 2026 - 7pm
Grand Fiesta Parade
Location: Downtown Pensacola Pensacola, FL 32502
Every Tuesday - 7pm - 9pm
Bands on the Beach
Location: Gulfside Pavilion at Casino Beach
20 Casino Beach Boardwalk
Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
Every Saturday - 9am to 2pm
Palafox Market
Location: Dr MLK Jr Plaza / Plaza Ferdinand 50 N Palafox St
Pensacola, Florida 32503
STORM READINESS PREP
Use this checklist to ensure you are prepared for anything that can happen during & after a storm
Basic household needs (3-7 days before):
Drinking water and nonperishable food
Manual can opener
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
Flashlights and extra batteries
First aid kit and essential medications
Hygiene items and cleaning supplies
Phone chargers/power bank
Safety + home protection:
Tarps, duct tape, and basic tools
Work gloves and sturdy shoes
Garbage bags and paper towels
Important documents stored in a waterproof bag
Pet supplies (food, leash/carrier, meds, records)
Homeowner Insurance Checkpoints
Confirm your policy is active and premiums are current
Verify what is covered for wind and storm damage (and any deductibles)
Check whether you have flood insurance (flood damage is typically separate)
Ensure the insurer has your current phone number, email, and mailing address
Store your policy number, agent contact, and claims phone number in a safe place
Take photos/video of your home and valuables before storm season for documentation
PREPARATIONOUTLINE
Sign up for the alert system
Escambia County Alerts
https://myescambia com/ourservices/public-safety/beready/howwill-you-know
SIGN UP FOR ALERTS
Santa Rosa County Alerts
https://santarosa.fl.gov/268/Co mmunity-Warning-Systems
SEASONAL HOME MAINTENANCE
Switch ceiling fan rotation to counterclockwise
Clean refrigerator coils
Check for leaks/holes around windows and doors
Check all electrical outlets and cords for fire hazards
Inspect washing machine hose for signs of tears or leaks
Clean your dryer vent, lint trap, and space under dryer
Test all smoke and carbon dioxide detectors
Service air conditioner unit
SEASONAL YARD CARE
Clear debris from gutters
Trim any trees, shrubs or bushes
Remove weeds
Consider using natural bug repellents or contact pest control Mow the grass
Inspect and clean porch
Remove any dead or unhealthy plants
Add a fresh layer of mulch to mulched areas
MATT’S MAINTENANCE MINUTE
Never use extension cords as a long-term extension of your household’s electrical system
Never plug a space heater into an extension cord or power strip
Never plug two extension cords together
Do not run cords through walls, doorways, ceilings, or under rugs or carpet
Use an outlet cover or plastic outlet cap to keep children safe around outlets
Make sure your home has smoke alarms
Unplug small appliances when not in use
DEALS JUST IN TIME FOR SUMMER
Don’t forget, The ReStore is now open on Mondays and has new hours, 9 am to 8 pm! With these new hours, comes new deals
Fridays are now “Flash Sale Friday,” where every Friday shoppers can find deals on things like filing cabinets, office chairs, and so much more at prices you can’t find anywhere else! Make sure to follow our social media accounts to see what the weekly deals are!
Shoppers can also find tile for sale for up to 20% every Tuesday for our new “Tile Tuesday” deal! Come shop unique tile selections and give your home an upgrade
BE PREPARED THIS STORM SEASON
The ReStore always has windows that are perfect for storm preparation and home upgrades Stop by and check out all our affordable options that can help protect your home and your family for the storm season
JOIN OUR REWARDS
If you haven’t already, be sure you’re signed up for our ReStore Rewards by texting “Yes” to 1-844-260-4752. You earn $5 in rewards for every $100 spent! Summersavings Summersavings Summersavings onhomeprojects onhomeprojects onhomeprojects
DIY CORNER
Spring is a great time to add any upgrades in and outside your home. From using tile from the ReStore and making fun new furniture pieces to using paint to freshen up areas around your home, the ReStore has all the supplies needed to help bring your ideas to life. Click on the videos to check them out!
DONATE YOUR ITEMS
As your doing yard work and spring cleaning, consider giving your gently used household goods and materials a second life at the ReStore Your donations support local families, reduce landfill waste, and may even qualify for a tax deduction.
Call (850) 476-0001 or click this link to schedule your free pick up!
Wewouldlovetoimprovethehomeownership journeybasedonyourfeedback.Letusknowhow wecandobetterinthefuture.Doyouwantto shareyouruniquestoryabouthow homeownershiphasimpactedyourlife? Shareyourstorywithus!
Email: info@pensacolahabitat.org
We also have important information for homeowners who may be considering selling their home back to Pensacola Habitat. If you are considering this, please get in touch with Karl Gambrell or David Kane at 850-434-5456 to discuss the process and next steps.
YMCA DISCOUNTS
As a Pensacola Habitat for Humanity homeowner, you may be eligible for discounts to special programs through the YMCA. For more details, visit their Y Assistance website or reach out to them directly to learn more about the opportunities available to you!
We are excited to announce our new partnership with the TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) at Pensacola State College! Through this partnership, homeowners and their families can access free support for continuing education, career planning, financial aid assistance, and more. Visit the Pensacola State College’s TRIO EOC website to learn more about the free resources available to you!
