For four decades, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County has been building more than houses. Since its founding in 1986, the nonprofit has helped families achieve homeownership, assisted longtime residents with critical home repairs, and strengthened neighborhoods throughout Palm Beach County.
As the organization celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, its impact extends well beyond new construction. Habitat has built 452 affordable homes, repaired or revitalized 829 properties, and partnered with more than 1,280 families and households.
A Habitat home is also not merely given to anyone — it is earned. Habitat homeowners contribute at least 300 hours toward their homes through construction, volunteering, financial literacy courses, and homeownership workshops. They then purchase their properties through 30-year, interest-free mortgages with payments based on 30% of their income.
“We’re not just giving them the home and stepping away,” Cassino explains. “We’re a partner to them for that whole 30-year mortgage, even beyond.”
But while Habitat is best known for helping families become homeowners, another important part of its mission is helping people remain safely in the homes they already own, particularly veterans and seniors living on limited incomes.
Samantha Cassino, director of marketing and communications for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County, explains that the organization’s home repair program addresses everything from cosmetic improvements, including painting, landscaping, and fencing, to critical repairs such as roof replacements, impact windows, and electrical upgrades. Accessibility improvements, including ramps and bathroom grab bars, also help older residents remain independent.
Through its Veterans Build initiative, Habitat assists former service members who already own homes but may struggle to afford necessary repairs. During last year’s Veterans Build, volunteers completed projects at six properties across Palm Beach County. In addition to exterior improvements, Habitat coordinated more substantial repairs, including roof and window replacements and electrical upgrades.
The program addresses a problem homeowners know all too well: A seemingly manageable repair can quickly become an expensive emergency. For veterans living on fixed incomes, those expenses can threaten their ability to live on their own. “Those people deserve to stay safely in their homes,” Cassino says.
On November 6, Habitat will bring volunteers together for its ninth annual Veterans Build, partnering with the city of Boynton Beach on projects at multiple locations. The day begins with home repairs and concludes with an American Dream BBQ, bringing together volunteers, veterans, and community supporters. Funds raised through the event support the veterans program throughout the year.
As the holiday season approaches, Cassino hopes more people will discover the many ways they can support Habitat’s work. Financial contributions are always welcome, but volunteering is equally valuable. Opportunities include construction and repair projects, administrative assistance, and helping organize community events.
Habitat’s ReStores offer another way to help. The thrift stores accept donated furniture, household goods, and other items, with sales helping cover operating expenses to support the organization’s housing programs. Shoppers contribute to the organization simply by making purchases.
And for those seeking a particularly festive connection to Habitat, there’s a tradition involving one of America’s most famous Christmas trees. After the holidays, wood from New York’s iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is donated for use in Habitat homes, giving the seasonal landmark a second life.
Cassino says volunteers sometimes write messages of hope and encouragement on the wooden framing of homes before the walls are completed, leaving personal wishes for the families who will live there.
It’s a fitting reflection of Habitat’s mission, whether the work involves building a house, repairing a veteran’s roof, or helping a longtime homeowner remain in place.
After four decades in Palm Beach County, the organization’s goal remains the same: helping people build and maintain a place to call home.
