Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota provides affordable housing while requiring homeowners to contribute time, effort, and pay a mortgage at an adjusted rate. In Venice—and everywhere Habitat builds—this not only creates homes but also fosters long-term stability. In return, these new homeowners gain a foundation for a better future, improving their lives and strengthening their communities.
Such is the case for the Torres family, who recently celebrated their future home's groundbreaking. "It was such a happy, joyous time. All the family members were hugging each other—what a wonderful thing to see,” said Christina McCauley, CEO & Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity South.
McCauley was referring to Genna Torres and her extended family. A single mother raising two children, Torres was following in the footsteps of her own mother, Luz, who moved into a Habitat home a few years ago. Seeing firsthand the impact of homeownership, Torres was now doing the same—investing her time and effort to help build her own Habitat home in Venice.
How Habitat for Humanity Works
Habitat selects families based on three criteria:
- Need: The applicant must demonstrate a need for better housing.
- Local Connection: They must live or work in the area.
- Ability to Pay: Homeowners pay a zero-interest mortgage set according to income.
“We make sure it is affordable for them. In most cases, Habitat takes out a silent second mortgage that is forgiven at the end of their first mortgage,” McCauley explained.
In addition to financial requirements, families must complete “sweat equity” hours by helping build their own homes and others. They also take classes in budgeting and home maintenance.
A Hand Up, Not a Handout
“We are building homes, and the people who move in become contributors—as taxpayers, employees, and more,” McCauley said when asked how the agency invests in Venice.
Habitat also partners with local organizations and steps in during emergencies. “We hold Christmas fundraisers for THE TWIG, help with hurricane recovery—we step out of our main mission for our community,” she added.
Families applying for a Habitat home often don’t qualify at first. “We work with them to help pay off debt, reevaluate their job situation, and push for promotions or better jobs,” McCauley explained.
Generational Change
This process was especially challenging for Torres, who became ill while working toward homeownership. She is profoundly aware of how fortunate she is and how owning a home will impact her children.
“Genna has two kids to take care of, and now she is healthy and will have her own home. These advantages will trickle down to her kids,” McCauley said. For many families, homeownership leads to better stability, she explained. “Parents can focus on work or education, and children experience fewer disruptions in school.”
Volunteers and Donors Keep the Program Running
Habitat depends on volunteers for construction and fundraising. “We are always looking for new groups to be our workday warriors,” McCauley said. Many volunteers have decades of experience, while others are new and learn on the job.
Fundraising also plays a key role, as it supports six to ten home builds each year. Events, sponsorships, and donations make this possible. The Habitat ReStore in Venice also generates revenue by selling donated furniture, appliances, and home goods.
Facing Challenges
Recruiting volunteers has been difficult. “As our volunteers age out, we are struggling to capture the next generation,” McCauley said. Without enough volunteers, Habitat must pay contractors, increasing costs despite contractor discounts.
Hurricanes also pose setbacks, delaying construction and shifting resources. Despite these challenges, Habitat for Humanity South continues its mission, helping families gain the stability of homeownership while strengthening the Venice community.
To support Habitat for Humanity South—through donations or volunteering—visit habitatsouthsarasota.org.
"We are always looking for volunteers to help with construction and fundraising."