Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity raised $160,000 at their second annual ‘Home for the Holidays’ gala, presented by title sponsor Roberts Properties, Inc. Over 300 attendees joined together to celebrate the nonprofit during their 40^th anniversary and support them as they continue their mission to provide safe and affordable housing for local families. To honor this great achievement and continue the funding festivities, Habitat is launching a ‘Close The Gap’ fundraising campaign to reach its goal of raising $200,000 by the end of 2023.

CEHFH and its supporters kicked off the Holiday season during an evening of fellowship and celebration in honor of the nonprofit’s service to the local community. Guests enjoyed live entertainment by Rufus Bryant and the Savannah Allstars while bidding on incredible silent and live auction items. During the program, Habitat partners and supporters spoke of the impact and importance of CEHFH in the community, including a touching personal story from a previous partner family, Dr. LaKeysha Mutcherson. The program ended with a heartfelt illustration on how members of this community are parallel to the community members of Koinonia Farm, the birthplace of Habitat for Humanity. CEO Zerik Samples expressed “community members used what they had to ensure that all needs of the community were met… Tonight we are celebrating that for the last forty years you, community members, have given of your time, your talent and your treasure that allow us to continue to build Homes, Community, and Hope for the Coastal Empire! We are in this beloved community together! We need each other to survive.” By the end of his passionate words all attendees found themselves near the stage in solidarity proclaiming their inability to survive without one another. He also shared the exciting upcoming initiatives and events in 2024 before opening the dance floor for a festive after party.

The nonprofit has now announced their ‘Close The Gap’ fundraising campaign to carry them to their ultimate goal of $200,000 by the end of 2023. Supporters are encouraged to contribute by donating towards the $40,000 gap in honor of their 40^th anniversary. With the cost of materials continuing to increase, the demands on CEHFH’s building inventory fund are growing. Reaching the $200,000 fundraising goal will enable the nonprofit organization to help more families in 2024 and continue fighting for affordable housing in the Coastal Empire.

“We are appealing to the community to give a tax-deductible donation before the end of the year to bring Christmas cheer to a hard-working family. A place to call home for generations to grow is truly priceless and we want to increase our positive impact in our fast-growing region,” said CEHFH CEO Zerik Samples.  

Since 1983, Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity has helped over 150 families in the Coastal Empire purchase safe and affordable homes, with more than a quarter of partner families having already fully paid off their mortgages. This local nonprofit organization is dedicated to transforming lives and creating stability for families by educating and equipping them with the skills and confidence to purchase their first home and creating a lasting structure to create generational wealth for their families.

Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity works in this community as an affordable homeownership ministry committed to partnering working families to realize their dream of owning quality, affordable and energy-efficient homes in safe and revitalizing neighborhoods in the Coastal Empire. For more information about donating to the Close The Gap campaign the organization, volunteer opportunities, partner family applications, and initiatives, please visit https://www.habitatsavannah.org/ or follow them on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram using the handle @habitatsavannah.