Thrift’s home, at 856 W. Griffith Ave., and Hatten’s home, at 858 W. Griffith Ave., represent the 74th and 75th new home builds, respectively, by the nonprofit, Fort Walton Beach-based Habitat for Humanity in Okaloosa County. Eglin Federal Credit Union paid for the construction of both homes.
“I just want to say thank you, thank you, thank you!” Thrift, who is a full-time mother and caregiver to a child with special needs, said at Friday’s dedication ceremony, which was attended by dozens of supporters.
Thrift’s home is the first ADA-compliant house built by Habitat for Humanity in Okaloosa County.
Hatten, who is a mother and an EFCU card services representative, said her new home represents much more than four walls with a roof.
“It’s stability for me and my daughter,” Hatten said. “Everything that Habitat is about is what Jesus wants us to do, and I’m so ready to continue to work with Habitat.”
Addressing Hatten and Thrift, EFCU President and CEO Cathie Staton said, “May your home be filled with laughter, love and safety. May it be a place of comfort in tough times and celebration in joyful ones. You deserve this, and we’re so proud to have played a part in your journey.
“To Habitat for Humanity, thank you for your vision, your dedication and your tireless work: You helped turn dreams into reality. And to everyone who contributed, whether it was through time, talent or treasure, thank you. These houses stand as a testament to what we can accomplish when we build together.”
Habitat for Humanity in Okaloosa County builds safe, affordable homes for families in need — offering a hand up, not a handout, according to information from the organization. Partner families invest 300 hours of sweat equity and receive zero-interest mortgages, with payments reinvested into future builds.
With support from more than 600 volunteers annually, Habitat completes two to four homes each year. Its ReStores in Fort Walton Beach and Crestview sell donated goods at discounted prices, helping to fund construction projects and promote sustainability, according to information from Habitat.
Early last year, the city of Crestview donated the two parcels for the new homes on West Griffith Avenue to Habitat for Humanity.
At Friday’s ceremony, Hatten and Thrift each received a Bible and welcome basket from Habitat for Humanity representative Mary Hauge, a welcome home sampler from Barbara Harrison of Embroidery Guilds of America – Sand Dunes Guild, an American flag from Kathy Foster of Republican Women of Okaloosa Federated, and a fire extinguisher from Sean Galkowski, business development manager for Advanced Fire Protection Services.
Landscaping for the two new homes was provided by the Okaloosa County Master Gardener’s Association.