Publix Joins Alberti Family to Break Ground on New Home

On an early December morning, thirty Publix Super Markets employees gathered in east Tampa to surprise a Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County homeowner candidate with the groundbreaking for her future home sponsored by Publix Super Markets Charities.

Publix Community Relations Manager, Brian West, turned the ceremonial shovel with Alina Alberti, who will be building her home alongside Habitat Hillsborough community volunteers, including many Publix employees. Alberti is the mother of four daughters. The family is currently living in crowded rental conditions, and they have been dreaming of having their own space.  Alina was selected to participate in the Habitat for Humanity program based on her housing need, ability to repay the affordable home mortgage that will be offered to her, and willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity through “sweat equity” – helping to build her family’s home and the homes of other homeowner candidates in the program.

Surprised to see the Publix employees ready to break ground on her future home, Alina exclaimed: “This is so amazing!  I love Publix!”  Alina and her family are likely to love Publix even more as employees from the company join with them to build the home in the coming months.

The Alberti home is one of more than 60 Habitat for Humanity homes that will be sponsored in the Southeast U.S. by Publix Super Markets Charities this year.  “Every family deserves an opportunity to have a roof over their heads and food on their table,” said Carol Jenkins Barnett, president of Publix Super Markets Charities. “My father established our foundation in 1966 with a strong desire to see our communities thrive. Fifty years later, we’re still honoring his legacy.”