Business Connections 2022 - A guide to the local businesses of Southwest Florida
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1476394
adno=3854458-1 T he one word to describe the good work the Habitat for Humanity does in the greater Venice area is challenging. Leading the way for the organization CEO and Executive Director, Christina McCauley, who has held the position for the past year. Prior to that, McCauley worked five years in the agency's development area. "Habitat for Humanity has been in business here since April 1992, and over the years we have enjoyed developing partnerships and collaborating with as many nonprofits and local organizations as we can to further aff ect the community," she said. "We also want our homeowners and their families to have their lives changed for the better- forever." BUILT with love McCauley said COVID-19 brought many challenges. "The pandemic has changed everything." Home construction has slowed down. It has taken longer to get supplies and been more diff icult to find volunteers. The economy and rising costs, in general, have been a burden. Habitat aims to build eight houses each year and currently has three under construction. "Many people labor under the misconception that somehow this is a giveaway program. Nothing could be further from the truth," McCauley said. "The homeowners still have to come up with a down payment. They still need to make mortgage payments in a timely manner. They also need to provide 300 hours of sweat equity as their contribution to the house construction." These energy-eff icient homes help weave new communities together, and McCauley's mission is to keep those processes moving forward, despite the obstacles. 30 YEARS IN SERVICE Business Connections August 2022 18