Fort Myers Florida Weekly

Homebuyers receive affordable homes just in time for holiday season


Habitat ReStore employee Imane Darri presents Abdelkrim Messaif and Somia Djeddi with the key to their home. A Habitat homebuyer herself, Imane now works for the same organization that gave her the hand-up she needed to buy a home and attain financial security. COURTESY PHOTOS

Habitat ReStore employee Imane Darri presents Abdelkrim Messaif and Somia Djeddi with the key to their home. A Habitat homebuyer herself, Imane now works for the same organization that gave her the hand-up she needed to buy a home and attain financial security. COURTESY PHOTOS

Two families partnering with Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties recently became first-time homebuyers. Friends and family, along with Habitat staff and supporters, came together to celebrate the accomplishments of those families who will move into their homes just in time for the holiday season.

Abdelkrim Messaif and Somia Djeddi were all smiles as they received their keys. The parents of four children (including one set of twins) lived in unsafe conditions because they couldn’t afford anything else. Now, their kids will grow up in a safe and stable home surrounded by a neighborhood with trees and places to play.

Before partnering with Habitat, mom of three Katherine Papayiannis was living in cramped conditions. With the keys to her new home, Katherine and her three kids will have their own rooms and space to spread out and grow.

Becoming homeowners wasn’t easy for either family. As part of the partnership with Habitat, they had to contribute 300 hours of sweat equity, pay $2,000 in closing costs, and attend more than 20 hours of financial and homeownership classes. They also had a need, the ability to repay a mortgage, and the willingness to partner with the organization. At closing, they received a 0% interest loan through Habitat, with their mortgage payments set at no more than 30% of their income.

Habitat board member and resident of The Colony John Hill (far left) and his wife, Lesley Hill (far right), pose with Katherine Papayiannis outside her front door — which is already decorated for the holidays. The Hills were part sponsors of Katherine’s home.

Habitat board member and resident of The Colony John Hill (far left) and his wife, Lesley Hill (far right), pose with Katherine Papayiannis outside her front door — which is already decorated for the holidays. The Hills were part sponsors of Katherine’s home.

“Affordable housing has always been scarce in Southwest Florida,” said Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties Vice President of Strategic Partnerships Elisha Baird. “Hurricane Ian exacerbated the crisis, making Habitat’s mission of building and selling affordable homes more crucial than ever. During this holiday season, we are grateful that our generous community of sponsors and donors has continued supporting that mission. Their giving spirit has touched and inspired all of us this year.”

One of those inspirational sponsors included residents from Pelican Landing and The Colony. Their generosity funded the construction of Katherine’s home. What makes the gesture even more heartwarming: Katherine works at Pelican’s Nest— the golf club for Pelican Landing.

ReStore Strong! Abdelkrim and Somia’s home was funded by Habitat’s ReStores. All profits from the Lee County locations go directly into building affordable homes. This year, the ReStores fully funded eight homes. COURTESY PHOTO

ReStore Strong! Abdelkrim and Somia’s home was funded by Habitat’s ReStores. All profits from the Lee County locations go directly into building affordable homes. This year, the ReStores fully funded eight homes. COURTESY PHOTO

“Today is new beginnings and just a fresh start for me and the kids,” said Katherine.

Abdelkrim and Somia’s home was funded by the Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry County ReStores. All profits from the ReStores go directly toward building affordable homes. This year, the ReStores will build eight homes.

“I’m feeling so happy — great!” said Abdelkrim. “Because I never thought I could own a place like this. So today, my dream is coming true for me and for my family.”

Both families bought affordable homes in Habitat’s HOA neighborhood of Heritage Heights, located adjacent to the Harlem Heights community. Along with having access to neighborhood amenities like a basketball court, playground, and pond stocked with fish, the families are within walking distance of schools, public parks and multiple community centers. Once finished, Heritage Heights will be home to 150 low-income families in need of affordable housing.

About Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties

Celebrating 40 years of service and the impact of home, Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties is driven by its vision for a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Since 1982, Habitat has partnered with nearly 1,800 families to help them achieve their dream of affordable homeownership. In addition to putting in 300 hours of sweat equity into building their own homes, Habitat Homeowners also contribute to their closing costs, attend more than 20 hours of financial education classes and pay an affordable mortgage set at no more than 30% of their monthly income. As a builder, developer, mortgage lender, housing counseling agency, and retail operator, Habitat works to bring people together to build homes, community and hope. Through volunteering and providing financial or material donations, everyone can help Lee and Hendry County families achieve strength, stability, and independence. For more information, visit www.habitat4humanity.org. ¦

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