Publix contributes $55,000 to build Habitat Hillsborough home for Tampa family of four
TAMPA, FL (August 29, 2019) – Thanks to a generous donation from Publix Super Markets Charities, the dream of homeownership has come true for a Tampa mother and her three children, who received the key to their recently completed Habitat for Humanity home at a dedication ceremony Thursday morning. Publix Super Markets Charities (PSMC) contributed $55,000 in construction funding for Lynisha Thomas’ home, which is part of the Foundation’s $3 million commitment to fund more than 215 Habitat for Humanity affiliates, shelters and other nonprofit organizations across the Southeast.
“We are committed to the well-being of our communities,” said President of Publix Super Markets Charities, Carol Jenkins Barnett. “Our foundation is continuing my father’s legacy of supporting the communities Publix serves and providing hope to those in need.”
“Habitat Hillsborough is very grateful for its partnership with Publix Super Markets Charities to build affordable homes for low-income families throughout our community,” said Tina Swain, Executive Director at Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County. “With the generous annual support Publix has provided, we’ve been able to assist many hardworking local families like Lynisha’s.”
Thomas’ modest income as an employee of Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Department has made providing adequate housing for her three young children difficult. “I am grateful to Habitat and Publix for providing me the opportunity to buy a secure home that I can afford,” said Thomas, who completed 300 sweat equity hours and 10 classes to fulfill Habitat Hillsborough’s program requirements before purchasing her zero-interest mortgage. “This home will give me peace of mind and will be a place where my kids can grow up with a safe yard to play in.”
For more information on how to qualify, sponsor or volunteer for a Habitat for Humanity home, please call 813-239-2242.
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About Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County
With a 4-star Charity Navigator rating, Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County builds and renovates homes in partnership with individuals and families in need of decent, affordable housing. Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a global housing ministry that seeks to put God’s love into action, bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Since 1987, Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County has partnered with homeowners and the community to build or renovate more than 250 homes. Families and individuals qualify for the Habitat for Humanity homeownership program based on need, willingness to partner in the program through sweat equity hours and completion of homeowner classes, and the ability to pay an affordable mortgage. For more details on Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County, visit HabitatHillsborough.org or call 813-239-2242.
About Publix Super Markets Charities’ Relationship with Habitat for Humanity
PSMC began its support of Habitat for Humanity in 1989 with its first contribution to Habitat for Humanity of East Polk County (Winter Haven, Florida). The foundation has continued its support of Habitat for Humanity affiliates, and other nonprofits that serve the plight of the hungry and homeless. Earlier this year, PSMC made a $5 million donation to more than 240 nonprofit organizations, including Feeding America member food banks, which focus on alleviating hunger across the company’s operating area. To l
