Habitat Collier Celebrates Wall Raising and Historic $5 Million Donation

Naples, FL – November 19, 2024 – Habitat for Humanity of Collier County marked a monumental occasion on Tuesday with a wall raising ceremony and the announcement of a historic $5 million donation—the largest single gift in the organization’s history. Attendees heard from existing and future Habitat residents, local leaders, and Habitat Collier CEO Rev. Lisa Lefkow, who expressed the organization’s deep gratitude for the gift from Andrew and Janet Miller, longtime Habitat Collier supporters.

“This gift comes at a critical time,” said Rev. Lefkow. “The Miller family’s extraordinary commitment will offer more families the opportunity to build stability, security, and a future in a home of their own.”

Lefkow spoke to the escalating costs of construction and how recent spikes in areas like infrastructure have the organization adjusting their strategy to maintain their pace of building in the years ahead. That means securing more land at today’s prices, raising more funds, and calling on the community to be part of the work. The seven-figure donation will go a long way towards those efforts.

Janet Miller, who currently serves as Habitat Collier’s Board Chair, shared what inspired the gift and encouraged others to join them in their support of the organization’s mission. “I feel so privileged to live in Naples – I truly love this community. But I don’t want to live in a place that is only available to those with means, and that is increasingly the reality here. Habitat believes everyone deserves a simple, decent place to live and has a proven model– over 2,600 affordable homes sold to date. This model can be scaled, it can be replicated, we just need more help – join us!”

Franco Pero, one of the day’s speakers and the child of a Habitat homeowner stands as a testament to the benefits of stable housing for children. Pero recently earned his college degree from Florida Atlantic University and is an officer in the Army National Guard. Raised in Regal Acres, the Habitat neighborhood adjacent to Majestic Place, Franco shared fond memories of his childhood and says his mother’s partnership with Habitat and their affordable home played a big role in his success.

“I didn’t have to worry about anything but being a kid,” he shared. “I want to say lots of thank yous to the donors. This home changed my life, Habitat changed my life for the better.”

After the gift announcement, those in attendance were invited to help raise the first walls of a new home alongside its future residents. The ceremonial wall raising symbolizes the collective efforts involved in making affordable homes possible. When completed, Majestic Place will provide affordable housing to more than 100 families.

With this donation, Habitat Collier is positioned to make even greater strides in addressing the critical need for affordable housing in Collier County. The organization hopes this event and Miller’s extraordinary gift will encourage others to get involved as the need for affordable homes for the area workforce continues to grow.

About Habitat for Humanity of Collier County
Habitat for Humanity of Collier County empowers struggling families to build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. As one of the oldest and most successful Habitat affiliates in the nation, Habitat Collier has served the needs of Collier County’s workforce for more than 45 years, building homes in partnership with families, volunteers and donors, and then selling them with an affordable mortgage. For more information, visit HabitatCollier.org