Come ‘HabiBlast’ with Habitat

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Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County is hoping its newest fundraiser will be a “blast” for participants.

The nonprofit organization will host its inaugural Habitat HabiBlast, a clay target shoot fundraiser, at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays (TBSC), 10541 Ehren Cutoff, Land O’ Lakes. TBSC is the area’s premiere shooting range and is located on 260 acres of wooded terrain and provides a unique facility, its website states.

“We wanted to try something new and different that would appeal to the many avid sport shooters and outdoors people in and around the Citrus County area,” said Justin Leech, HFHCC Chief Operating Officer. “TBSC is a top-notch facility and we thought this would be the perfect event for people to come out, have an enjoyable time all while raising awareness for a great cause.”

Entry fees are $150 per person or $550 per team, up to four people. Entry fees include a T-Shirt, 50 targets per shooter, two boxes of shells (either 12-gauge or 20-gauge), one golf cart per team (individuals will be grouped into foursomes), lunch and drinks, silent auction and 50/50 drawing. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/29bnsr5r. Individuals and teams can also register at either of Habitat’s two ReStores in Crystal River or Inverness. Youths, 17 and younger, are allowed to compete, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams, top three individual males, top three individual females and top three youth shooters.

“This is really shaping up to be a great family-friendly event,” Leech said.

For those who might need it, TBSC offers gun rentals. The facility has .410-, 20-, and 12-gauge rentals. Only one gun is needed per group of approximately four people. The facility does not rent its guns in the rain. Unless you are shooting in an event, TBSC does not take gun reservations—all guns will be rented on a first-come, first-serve basis. You must be a legal US citizen to rent a shotgun at TBSC. You will be required to provide a valid license for a gun rental, and any license left at TBSC will be returned via mail to the address listed on the license.

West 2 West Construction is the premiere sponsor for HabiBlast, with A&J Gardner’s Concrete and Avant-garde Consulting serving as Silver Sponsors. Citrus Title, Michael’s Floor Covering and Southern Pride Design are also helping to sponsor the event. HFHCC is actively seeking additional sponsors as well as businesses that would be willing to donate gift baskets and prizes for the silent auction.

For information about the event, sponsorships or donating items for the silent auction, contact Jeff Bryan, Marketing & Communications Director, at 352-563-2744, Ext. 4, or email marketing@habitatcc.org.

Habitat gears up for milestone moment

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By George Rusaw

For 30-plus years now, essential workforce employees providing much-needed day-to-day services to the community have turned to Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County seeking a safe, stable, affordable housing environment for their families.

By partnering with HFHCC, those families receive a hand up, not a handout. Our unique approach empowers families through homeownership, requiring them to invest “sweat equity” into building homes alongside volunteers.

As we look toward a new fiscal year here at HFHCC, we wanted to take a moment to take a look back at our most recent fiscal year, which included plenty of highlights:

  • Our Crystal River and Inverness ReStores generated more than $2 million in sales, which is made possible through the support of our citizens and businesses that both shop for goods as well as donate items for resale.
  • A record 21 new home builds, which have provided stability to families who are educators, paraprofessionals, skilled laborers, health care workers, retail employees and much more. This accomplishment would not be possible without the generous support of the citizens, who regularly shop at our two ReStores, and businesses such as Nick Nicholas Ford, Crystal Motor Company, Eagle Buick/GMC, Public Super Market Charities that sponsored home builds.
  • We celebrated 250 families served through our home ownership program.
  • We launched a new user-friendly website (habitatcc.org), which has several new features such as an online application process for prospective family partners and donation pickup requests.

All of our accomplishments this past fiscal year sets the stage for an ambitious, but achievable, new year ahead.

  • We plan to build 35 new homes this coming year, meaning 35 new families will achieve housing security. To accomplish this feat, we need families who meet our qualifications and share a willingness to partner with us. Visit habitatcc.org/programs for more information.
  • We need volunteers at both of our ReStores as well as our Construction Site. To register as a volunteer, visit habitatcc.org/get-involved/volunteer.
  • Continue shopping at both of our ReStores as well as donating gently used items and materials.
  • We will celebrate our 250th new home build this calendar year. But to celebrate this milestone achievement, we are requesting the community’s assistance. We are asking for residents, businesses and civic organizations to contribute $250 or more toward the completion of our 250th new home build. To contribute a monetary donation, mail a check to HFHCC, P.O. Box 1041, Crystal River, FL, 34423 or visit tinyurl.com/46urzj79.
  • We will host our inaugural Habitat HabiBlast, a clay target shoot, on Saturday, Nov. 9, at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays (TBSC). Entry fees are $150 per person or $550 per team, up to four people. Entry fees include a T-Shirt, 50 targets per shooter, two boxes of shells (either 12-gauge or 20-gauge), one golf cart per team (individuals will be grouped into foursomes), lunch and drinks, silent auction and 50/50 drawing. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/29bnsr5r. Individuals and teams can also register at either of Habitat’s two ReStores in Crystal River or Inverness. Youths, 17 and younger, are allowed to compete, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

By supporting Habitat, you’re not just giving; you’re investing in stronger, more resilient communities. Join us in building homes, neighborhoods, and hope for everyone.

George Rusaw is the CEO/President of Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County.

A  COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT EMPLOY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.”

Habitat seeks event sponsors for clay target shoot fundraiser

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With the affordable housing crisis plaguing not only the nation, but Citrus County, especially many of our residents who work in health care, childcare, educators, first responders and many other roles critical to Citrus County citizens and businesses, Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County is there to offer these hard working and responsible employees a hand up toward safe, stable housing and the American dream: home ownership.

Critical to our success to building affordable housing and the dire need for workforce housing to income-qualified families in Citrus County is the support of businesses and residents in our community.

That is why we are excited to announce plans for the inaugural Habitat HabiBlast clay target shooting tournament, which is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 9, at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays, one of the region’s premiere facilities for target shooting.

In addition to a fun-filled, friendly shooting competition, there will be awards for tournament winners, a barbecue lunch and silent auction prizes.

However, to host an event such as Habitat HabiBlast, we need your generous support as an event sponsor.

It is our hope that your business will join us for an event we are sure will be a blast! For information about sponsorship levels, contact Jeff Bryan, Marketing & Communications Director, at 352-563-2744 or email marketing@habitatcc.org.

Every donation helps build a brighter future

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George Rusaw
CEO/President
George Rusaw

George Rusaw

Since it first began operating in 1993, Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County has built or rehabilitated more than 240 homes, thereby providing safe, affordable housing for more than 600 individuals and families in Citrus County.

Those individuals and families include health-care workers, skilled trades employees, educators and support staff, single parents, grandparents raising grandchildren, first responders and service industry employees to name a few.

There are many different facets that have gone into making Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County a success over the past 30 years:

  • Those who have a heart for helping others.
  • The thousands of volunteers, who have come through the doors over the years, to help lend their time and talents at our ReStores and the building of homes.
  • The partner families, who buy into the values of the program as they seek safe, affordable housing for their families.
  • The businesses, organizations and individuals who contribute housewarming gifts.
  • Our Contractor’s Club members.
  • Private donors.
  • The corporate businesses that sponsor house builds or help to finance our education classes for our future homeowners through community grants.
  • Our partnership with Citrus County Housing Services and the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee.
  • The Crystal River and Inverness ReStores who are our largest house sponsors.

The ReStores provide financial support to Habitat for Humanity. Our first ReStore opened in 2003, the second opened in 2010. By shopping, donating, or volunteering at the Restore, you help local families build better futures.

The ReStores offer excellent bargains and one-of-a-kind treasures to shoppers while supporting Habitat’s mission of bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope. By making a donation of household items, you’re helping keep usable goods out of landfills!

One critical aspect of our ReStores’ success has been community partnerships with the area’s homebuilders, remodeling companies, commercial contractors as well as suppliers in flooring, windows, cabinets and other various home remodeling materials.

We’re continuing to ask our partners in the construction industry – commercial and residential – and home improvement stores to consider donating unused materials or discontinued items to our Crystal River or Inverness ReStores.

If you have unused materials or discontinued items, we will come and pick those items up. All you need to do is call our Crystal River ReStore at 352-564-2300 and we will send a truck with a crew to save you time.

Thank you for your support over the past 30 years and for your continued support for the next 30 years.

Let’s Build!

George Rusaw is the CEO/President of Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County.

New Habitat homeowner gives thanks

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Lindsay Clark, our newest Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County homeowner, is a single mother of three and a teacher with the Citrus County School District. But it was through her journey as a partner family that gave her a sense of commun

The Clark family.

ity. Clark had many thank on her way to becoming the newest family partner to move into our community, Habitat at Citrus Springs, a 176-home development.

Listen to her story at https://youtu.be/dVDHTpCQODk?si=SbezWSKbQYhg4eRZ.

For information about our homeownership program, visit www.habitatcc.org/programs.

Habitat dedicates three new homes for family partners

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CRYSTAL RIVER – On Thursday, May 30, Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County (HFHCC) celebrated six house dedications at its Habitat at Citrus Springs development, aimed at providing affordable housing to income-qualified families. The six house dedications have brought the number of homes completed to 16 for HFHCC’s fiscal year, which runs from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. HFHCC is on pace to complete 21 new home builds this year, the most in a single fiscal year since operations began in 1993. Join HFHCC in welcoming these new families to homeownership.

For information about our homeownership program or to learn how to apply, visit www.habitatcc.org/programs.

Habitat, Publix celebrate newest homeowner at house dedication

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CRYSTAL RIVER —Haliann Fanizza and her daughter knew Thursday would be a special day as they received their keys to their Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County (HFHCC) house.

Publix Super Markets Charities (PSMC) and Publix Super Markets made the special day sweeter when representatives from Publix Super Markets Store No. 1616 Rainbow Square Shopping Center presented a $45,000 check for a partial house sponsorship, which helped fund the Fanizza family’s new home.

In January, HFHCC was one of 125 Habitat for Humanity affiliates throughout the Southeast chosen as a recipient of grant funding to support nonprofit housing initiatives from Publix Super Markets Charities (PSMC).

“I am thankful to Publix Super Markets and Publix Super Markets Charities for being proactive in the community and helping people like myself get homes,” Fanizza said. “They’re a great supermarket and it’s awesome to see their support throughout the community and their partnership with HFHCC.”

Public Super Market Store No. 1616 employees Josh Williamson, Chris Valerioti and Brittany Swain were on hand for Habitat’s newest homeowner, Haliann Fanizza and her daughter’s, house dedication Thursday, May 30.

PSMC has been a long-time, steadfast supporter of HFHCC, often providing grants for partial home builds.

“We are grateful for the continued support of Publix Super Markets Charities and Publix,” said George Rusaw, HFHCC president/CEO. “From grant funding to volunteerism, they’ve played an important role for our organization within the Citrus community. Their generosity enables us to continue our mission and provide solid foundations for families through homeownership.”

“Publix Super Markets Charities is proud to continue the legacy of George Jenkins by supporting Habitat for Humanity affiliates and other nonprofits focused on helping people achieve home ownership,” said PSMC Executive Director Kelly Williams-Puccio. “The funds received by HFHCC will help give families a place to call home, providing them with stability and strengthening the Citrus County community.”

HFHCC is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry that seeks to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, neighborhoods and hope. We work to eliminate substandard housing for people of all backgrounds, races and religions by providing simple, decent, affordable housing to those who have a need, ability to pay and willingness to partner. For more information, visit www.habitatcc.org or call

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Team Rubicon joins forces with Habitat for Community Build Day

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Team Rubicon, a veteran-led humanitarian organization, has grown accustomed to rebuilding communities before, during, and after disasters and crises. But recently, the organization had an opportunity to help build a community as 10 of its team members from across central Florida partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County (HFHCC) for a Community Build Day.

Team Rubicon’s 10-member team paired up with HFHCC core volunteers and partner families to work on four future Habitat homes, helping with vinyl siding, preparation work for flooring installation in three homes and several other tasks at its Habitat at Citrus Springs affordable housing development.

“The teamwork between the two organizations was incredible,” said Dale Lange of Team Rubicon. “We were treated just like one of the Habitat for Humanity team. This is clearly the beginning of a great relationship in Citrus County.”

Habitat for Humanity is a great organization and has much in common with Team Rubicon, said Team Rubicon’s Grant Covington, who helped organize the Community Build Day between Team Rubicon and HFHCC.

“Our volunteers selflessly work to improve the lives of our most vulnerable citizens at no cost to them,” Covington said. “We love to work hard, get dirty, and be part of something bigger than our individual selves – or in this case, our organizations. There is no greater feeling than knowing we made a difference in the lives of other people. “

Added Justin Leech, COO for Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County: “It was a pleasure to have a veteran-led organization of construction professionals to partner with us in our mission to build affordable houses. We are honored to have them as our new partners in the community and we look forward to the next Community Build Day with Team Rubicon.”

If your organization, civic group, church or business would like to schedule a Community Build Day, call Jeff Bryan, Marketing & Communications Manager, at 352-563-2744 or email marketing@habitatcc.org.

ABC Fine Wine crew members lift spirits of Habitat partner families in Citrus Community Build Day

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A dozen crew members from ABC Fine Wine & Spirits throughout central Florida came together Thursday, May 2, to lift a helping hand and the spirits of partner families with Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County (HFHCC).

Working alongside partner families, core volunteers and HFHCC construction employees, the employees from ABC Fine Wine & Spirits joined forces to work on a pair of future Habitat homes at HFHCC’s Citrus Springs development to participate in a Community Build Day.

The dozen employees from ABC Fine Wine & Spirits contributed 58 hours of work, equating to a little more than seven days of work toward completion of two HFHCC homes.

“The mission of ABC Fine Wine & Spirits is to make everyday celebrations better in every community we serve and that includes getting out of our stores and offices to volunteer and give back,” said Sean Kelly, executive vice president of ABC Fine Wine & Spirits. “We’ve challenged our team members to find ways to lift people up in our communities and it’s a privilege to partner Habitat for Humanity and join them in building a home for a family.”

It’s partnerships such as this with civic organizations and businesses that make the pathway to home ownership come one step closer to reality, said Justin Leech, Chief Operating Officer with HFHCC.

“The ABC Fine Wine & Spirits team did a tremendous job helping to build Habitat homes and we thank them for being our partner and supporting our mission to provide attainable housing in Citrus County,” Leech said.

If your organization, civic group, church or business would like to schedule a Community Build Day, call Jeff Bryan, Marketing & Communications Manager, at 352-563-2744 or email marketing@habitatcc.org.

Citrus County Rotary Clubs help provide additional hand up, participate in Community Build Day

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If you are building it, they will come.
Citrus County Rotarians showed up in force Saturday, April 13, at Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County’s (HFHCC) Citrus Springs development to participate in a Community Build Day.
“Personally, this was on my wish list to do a six-club project and HFHCC was a perfect fit,” said Lace Blue-McLean, assistant governor for the six Rotary Clubs in Citrus County who organized Saturday’s Community Build Day. Her own club, the Rotary Club of Inverness, has been a long-standing partner with HFHCC by donating garden houses, sprinklers and water nozzles for new homeowners for more than 15 years.
On Saturday, more than two dozen Rotarians worked alongside future HFHCC partner families and volunteers, contributing 96 hours of work, equating to two-plus weeks of work toward completion of several HFHCC homes.
“I am really excited today to have this number of Rotarians to help families toward building their homes,” said Lace Blue-McLean, assistant governor for the six Rotary Clubs in Citrus County who organized Saturday’s Community Build Day. “It’s exciting to know we are helping (Partner Families) achieve their goal of home ownership. It was great to work side-by-side with Partner Families, learning about their journeys through Habitat and its homeownership program.”
This isn’t the first time Citrus County Rotarians have teamed up with HFHCC, but it’s the first one in the post-COVID era, said Blue-McLean, who sought to bring the two organizations and its members together again to help families seeking a hand-up, not a hand out.
“We envision this to be an ongoing project between the six Rotary clubs as HFHCC expands its Citrus Springs development,” said Blue-McLean, noting five of the six Citrus County Rotary Clubs were represented Saturday. “This is a great way for Rotarians to give back to the community. Period. It’s service above self, it’s community service. HFHCC’s mission to help families obtain safe, affordable housing lines up with several of our areas of focus.”
HFHCC is so grateful that Rotarians from different clubs across Citrus County were able to come together to benefit HFHCC in building Habitat homes, said Justin Leech, HFHCC Chief Operating Officer.
“Their efforts made a significant difference in advancing the construction of our houses, which will result in our partner families being able to move into their homes sooner than anticipated and begin the next phase of their lives as homeowners with safe, decent, and affordable housing,” Leech said. ““On behalf of HFHCC, I’d like to thank our Rotarians for all of their efforts and support that they have given us both this weekend and over the years.”
If your organization, civic group, church or business would like to schedule a Community Build Day, call Jeff Bryan, communications manager, at 352-563-2744 or email marketing@habitatcc.org.