A Message from the Chairman

Construction on our first building continues to progress! Each building will contain 16 units, consisting of eight 2-bedroom and eight 3-bedroom homes. The roof trusses are up, with the roof installation to be completed in July. The window installation continues, with some units already lit by the sparkling sunshine glowing through the new glass. Thanks to our generous donors, we are making significant progress toward our overall goal of $30 million.

As evidenced by the construction of our first building, your caring heart is helping build homes. However, more support is needed to build a self-sustaining model for affordable rental homes that the hardworking families of Immokalee desperately need. We hope you will help us on our mission to provide safe and secure housing for the community’s most vulnerable residents. 

An 80 for 80 Update

In March of this year, we announced the 80 for 80 fundraiser in honor of Dr. Arol Buntzman’s 80th birthday. A generous local donor pledged to match donations, and we are happy to announce that we raised $25,000! Thank you to all our donors for their kind birthday gifts in recognition of his birthday. All of us at IFHA wish Arol many, many more years of birthday celebrations! 

Sharing Our Mission: First Presbyterian Church, Bonita Springs 

IFHA board and team members recently had the opportunity to share our mission and vision with the First Presbyterian Church, Bonita Springs. We are grateful for the invitation and appreciate the welcome we received from Co-Pastor Brad Rogers and the entire congregation. 

If you are interested in IFHA giving a presentation or tour of our community to your group, community, or organization, please get in touch with Marcy Friedland at marcy@immokaleefairhousing.org or 404.991.1611. 

Donor Spotlight: A Gift from Presbyterian Women USA 

The Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance received a generous gift from the Presbyterian Women USA, an inclusive and caring community of women committed to working toward God’s promise of wholeness for all people. 

“Loving our neighbor is fundamental to who we are as Presbyterians. We are excited to be able to be part of this project where we can love thy neighbor.”   

Meet the Team: Richard Grunert 

Richard Grunert is dedicated to serving those in need and improving the lives of others. As a long-time Salvation Army volunteer and board member, Richard is familiar with the plight children in Immokalee face. As an Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance board member, he is helping us accomplish our mission and vision for a better future. 

“You can’t believe how excited I am to see the first building going up! Soon some of these children will be living in decent housing.”  

Like Quilting? Consider Volunteering! 

Making a quilt is no small task. It takes fabric, forms, and commitment. Each quilt is made up of three layers; the top (for display), the batting (for warmth), and the backing of fleece or cotton (for comfort). Additionally, it can take up to 10 to 12 hours to complete an average quilt. That’s why it is so extraordinary that the women of the First Presbyterian Church of Naples’ Sew and Sews are creating 128 quilts - one for every family moving into our IFHA community as a housewarming gift. 

The Sew and Sews have made quilts for people in Africa, baptismal blankets for older children, comfy quilts for displaced children, and shawls for people going through difficult times. They have a nationally recognized award quilter in the group. So far, roughly 50 quilts have been finished and work will resume in October. And they can use more help! 

You do not have to be a member of First Presbyterian of Naples to pitch in! This is an entirely non-sectarian activity. Experience in quilting is welcome, but if you can cut, iron, tie, and talk, you are welcome too. You can bring your sewing machine or use one of theirs.    

If you are interested in volunteering, contact Sew and Sews Betty Mangos, IFHA board member, at (239) 248-8800 for more details. Let’s get quilting! 

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IFHA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by call toll free (800-435-7352) within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. Registration # CH59730. www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com

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