Publix Charities awards $50,000 grant to Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County

Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County (HFHCC) was one of more than 225 organizations to receive grant funding from Publix Super Markets Charities (PSMC).

All told, PSMC donated $11 million to support organizations focused on providing housing and shelter services, including 130 Habitat for Humanity affiliates.

“The mission of Publix Super Markets Charities is to endeavor to meet the needs of the people within our communities. To that end – Publix Charities is proud to support the Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County in their efforts to alleviate housing instability in their community,” PSMC said in a statement.

HFHCC received $50,000 for a partial house sponsorship in its 176-home development at Habitat at Citrus Springs. Since launching the largest buildout in the affiliate’s history, more than 55 families have moved into new homes. On June 24, HFHCC dedicated four houses for families, bringing the number of dedicated homes this past year to 22, a record for the HFHCC affiliate.

The funding received from PSMC was used to construct a new house for the Yunko family, who were a part of the Tuesday, June 24, home dedications.

“I am honored that I was selected by Publix Super Markets Charities (PSMC) and Publix Super Markets to be sponsored for their kind donation to the Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County (HFHCC),” said Brandy Yunko, one of Habitat’s newest homeowners. “Thank you, Publix, for being willing to support their community and to help assist those to afford their homes.  Thank you for the generosity and for being a wonderful grocery store to shop at.”

PSMC has been a long-time, steadfast supporter of HFHCC, often providing grants for its education classes, a prerequisite for partner families to participate in while in the program.

“We are grateful for the continued support of Publix Super Markets Charities and Publix,” said Justin Leech, HFHCC Chief Operating Officer. “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.”

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. For more information, visit www.habitatcc.org or call 352-563-2744.