West Pasco Habitat for Humanity held a home dedication for the Ortiz family in early June at their new home on School Road in New Port Richey. It was attended by upwards of 40 people representing the local community, Habitat board members, and well wishers, including family and friends. Angel and Sandra Ortiz and their two children, Angel and Angelena were also in attendance.

Also present was New Port Richey Police Chief Kim Bogart along with Lt. Lauren Letona. Publix Supermarket Charities was represented by Brian West from the Lakeland office. More than 170 volunteers, many from Publix, donated 2,000 hours to this project alone.

The program was lead by West Pasco Habitat Executive Director, Kobus Appelgrijn, who acknowledged the many people involved with the completion of the project, noted that “West Pasco Habit is considered one of the best builders in the country.”

A cross-stitched sampler was presented to the family by Kathy Bolyard, a member of the Gulfview Chapter Embroidery Guild of America, which was followed by the official signing of the deed. Steve Meyers, Habitat’s construction manager, presented the family the keys to their new home.

The Ortiz family also learned that all their cupboards were filled with “housewarming gifts” including food, dishes and cleaning products along with a gift card from Publix. This was especially helpful because they were moving in that day.

Kari Stalnaker, Habitat’s volunteer coordinator, was also grateful to Gulf High School and the many volunteer students who showed up to help sod the lawn with 19 palettes of grass and finishing in time for this event.

West Pasco Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, Christian organization working to eliminate substandard, inadequate housing and homelessness. Its mission is to build decent, affordable houses with community partners and qualified families. West Pasco Habitat for Humanity builds simple and affordable homes in partnership with those in need of decent housing. Families purchase the homes through no profit mortgages.

For more information call the West Pasco Habitat for Humanity office located on Madison Avenue in New Port Richey at (727) 859-9038.