Working together, we can do so much.
Click here to watch the dedication video graciously created by the City of Tampa!
With the passing of the keys, our newest homeowners celebrated the start of a bright, new beginning in their lives.
Amidst a small crowd of community well-wishers that included Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Habitat home sponsors Drs. Kiran and Pallavi Patel presented the house keys to a joyful Carla Burke and her young son.
Prior to the key presentation, Dr. Kiran Patel said a few words about his experience with the Habitat for Humanity program, remarking on our Habitat volunteers and the community and corporate leaders who come together to help Habitat improve the lives of local families through the most basic of needs — affordable shelter.
“When fellow human beings start helping others, what change and impact we can create in the world!” said Dr. Patel. “I thank the volunteers, and each and every one of you, because your commitment of time is priceless. Money we can create, but time is the only thing God gives us. And how we use that time is so important and so valuable.”
For the Burke family who has long dreamed of a home of their own, their home dedication represents dreams come true.
“This is a new chapter in our lives, a fresh, new start,” said Carla. “Our home will be a place of safety, security and unity. A place to build memories.”
THANK YOU TO OUR HOME AND LAND PARTNERS
The dedication of the Burke family home is the second of two homes sponsored through the Drs. Kiran and Pallavi Patel Family Foundation and Habitat Hillsborough partnership. In February, Dr. Kiran Patel presented a $171,500 check to Habitat Hillsborough CEO Tina Swain toward the two-home partnership. The partnership was in conjunction with Wyndham Grand Hotel & Beach Resort, whose staff and supporters volunteered more than 400 hours building the Habitat for Humanity homes. The land for the Burke family home was acquired through the City of Tampa, while the land for the first home for the Pratt family in Brandon was made possible through a Hillsborough County grant.
It is the support of community partners like the Drs. Kiran and Pallavi Patel Family Foundation, our City and County partners, and of course, hundreds of volunteers, that helps keep Habitat for Humanity building for more and more local families. Working together, we are providing affordable homeownership opportunities that empower families to stabilize their lives and become more self-reliant. Thank you to our partners!
TO SPONSOR A HOME: If you are interested in helping us build through a corporate or foundation partnership, please contact our Vice President of Philanthropy, Richard Rogers at 813-239-2242, ext. 117.
TO VOLUNTEER: If you would like to volunteer on a Habitat build site, please contact our Volunteer Services Manager, Victoria Richards at 813-239-2242, ext. 114.
