The Mount Dora Community Trust has partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter and the City of Mount Dora to invest in revitalizing the Northeast district of Mount Dora. The Northeast Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is a public agency that was created in 1989 by the City Council at the request of neighborhood residents who wanted to revitalize the area.

As part of Habitat Lake-Sumter’s Preservation and Repair program, The Mount Dora Community Trust has sponsored a total of $50,000 to be re-invested into the City of Mount Dora for an output of 4-6 critical home repairs. In partnership with The City of Mount Dora and Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, The Mount Dora Community Trust’s donation provides access to Mount Dora’s CRA funds, unlocking matching dollars for a total of $100,000 available for repairs.

Through Habitat Lake-Sumter’s Preservation and Repair program, cost-burdened homeowners are able to update the homes they already own by receiving repairs to increase the safety, accessibility, and beauty of the home. This allows Habitat Lake-Sumter to help maintain the affordable housing stock in our community and ensure that everyone has a decent place to live.

“Because of The Mount Dora Community Trust’s generosity and support, local families will receive life-changing, critical home repairs,” says Lacie Himes, Director of Development with Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, “and the commitment to their community has encouraged other individuals and businesses to take action and support housing solutions for more families in Mount Dora.”

This sponsorship will also provide educational volunteer opportunities for local students across Lake and Sumter counties.

“It is an exciting time at The Mount Dora Community Trust to award Habitat for Humanity a grant that will not only improve and restore properties within the City of Mount Dora, but it will enhance the lives of our local students through community service.” says Mayor Crissy Stile.

Through this collaborative effort, funds are used effectively to repair and maintain affordable housing units in Mount Dora for very low-income families, and to ensure future allocation of investment dollars in uplifting the City of Mount Dora. Critical home repairs are currently four repair projects are in-progress, with all repairs expected to be completed in Fall 2024.

“It means the world to me to have the partnership with MDCT and Habitat, to aid those that are in need of homes and home repairs. I love being involved with our enthusiastic grantees at MDCT, who continue to be the driving force behind philanthropy in our community,” says Rev. Bobby Rowe, Vice Chair of the Mount Dora Community Trust Distribution Committee.

To learn more about this partnership or Habitat for Humanity’s programs contact Lacie at 352-483-0434 Ext. 146.