Habitat Happenings

On Tuesday, January 24, Habitat for Humanity of Walton County held its 60th home dedication for a very special mom of four. Unlike other home dedications, this dedication was held in partnership with Warrick Dunn Charities, and included a very special surprise by former FSU running back and NFL star Warrick Dunn. 

A dedicated single mom of four, Shakisha McDonald, became a first-time homeowner thanks to Walton County Habitat for Humanity, and thanks to Warrick Dunn Charities (WDC) she received a life-changing surprise. While the new home was earned and financed through Habitat for Humanity, Aaron’s provided $10,000 worth of home furnishings, turning an empty shell into a move-in ready dream home. Additionally, WDC was able to provide a $5,000 down-payment assistance check and ensure the home was fully stocked, thanks to additional assistance from Stronghold SOF Solutions, and Ryan Jumonville and Raven’s Ranch.

This event marked the 210th home celebration nationwide by Warrick Dunn Charities (WDC), the former NFL star’s non-profit organization that identifies single parents across the country and helps them achieve their goal of first-time homeownership as part of its “Homes for the Holidays” program.

Affordable housing is vital to local families. Habitat for Humanity Walton County is proud to build homes for partnering families and make a permanent impact. A very special thank you to the volunteers and sponsors that made this home possible. Read more about this inspiring story here.

Women Build 2023

Hard Hats & High Heels - Presented by Vacasa

Thank you to all who attended, supported, sponsored and volunteered at our largest Hard Hats & High Heels yet. Because of your generosity we raised over $30,000!The funds raised at this event will help us build a home for a single, working mom in Walton County.

About our Women Build 2023 Presenting and Emerald Sponsor: Vacasa is the leading vacation rental management platform in North America, transforming the vacation rental experience by integrating purpose-built technology with expert local and national teams. Homeowners enjoy earning significant incremental income on one of their most valuable assets, delivered by the company’s unmatched technology that is designed to adjust rates in real time to maximize revenue. Guests can relax comfortably in Vacasa’s 35,000+ homes across more than 400 destinations in North America, Belize and Costa Rica, knowing that 24/7 support is just a phone call away.

“We were honored to have been the lead sponsor of Habitat for Humanity’s Hard Hats & High Heels event, and to have had the opportunity to present the Veronica Macias Power Woman of the Year award,” said Krystal Helms, General Manager for Vacasa, North America’s leading vacation rental management company. “As we all know, our work to build strong foundations in our communities is never done, and we look forward to working with Habitat to provide housing to those who need it most.” 

We enjoyed meeting the Santa Rosa Beach Vacasa team. Thank you for your support!

Local Habitat for Humanity volunteer Elaine Ashman of the Merchants of Rosemary Beach, was honored with the 2023 Veronica Macias Power Woman of the Year award. Ashman is described by her peers as a familiar face on the Women Build job site. “I am humbled to receive this award,” said Ashman. “Helping women in our community by volunteering my time with Habitat for Humanity is a passion, and one I am grateful to share with so many others in the community, who I get to work alongside in building a beautiful place for these deserving women.” 

Another award presented during the event was the Glamour to the Hammer Award. This award recognizes an outstanding Habitat volunteer who has been instrumental to the organization’s success and supportive of the women in the community through the organization. This year’s Glamour to the Hammer award was presented to Beth Hyman. Beth is a frequent face at fundraising events and supervises workday at the job-sites for Habitat for Humanity. 

We are so lucky to have Elaine and Beth as part of our Habitat family! Both were presented with custom made awards by local artist Veila Lala at our Hard Hats & High Heels Galentine's luncheon

A special thank you to these generous prize donors who made Hard Hats & High Heels a big success: Courtyard by Marriott, Hyatt Place, Residence Inn by Marriott, Tommy Bahama, Newman Dailey Resort Properties, Rosemary Beach Merchants, Fleming's, Burnt Pine Golf Club, Embassy Suites, Commelfo Restaurant, Barnett Facial Surgery , Hilton Garden Inn, Surf Hut, Lee Nails, Melissa Puckett, Walton County TDC, Macho Taco, Beach House Restaurant

We are always in need of volunteers at our ReStore facility Tuesday-Saturday 9AM to 5PM. For more information contact volunteer@waltoncountyhabitat.org  

Upcoming Events

Lumber of Love:

Install and Dismantle

We are installing a 24,000 sq. ft. floor for Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation. Sign up to volunteer and get a ticket to SWB Wine & Food Fest! Reach out for more information at volunteer@waltoncountyhabitat.org