Habitat receives a $15,000 grant from Wells Fargo to perform critical repairs to a home in Key West

Volunteers from the Key West branch of Wells Fargo Bank help paint the Dickersons’ home on Elizabeth Street

Habitat for Humanity of Key West and Lower Florida Keys has been awarded a grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation as part of its nationwide initiative to help low to moderate-income families build and improve their homes across the U.S.

Habitat for Humanity of Key West and Lower Florida Keys received a $15,000 grant this year to help make critical repairs to a home within the City of Key West for a low-income older couple. Wells Fargo employees from the local branch joined Habitat staff to finish off the repairs by helping paint the porch. The couple living in the home were grateful for the repairs and thrilled to share that they are loyal Wells Fargo customers!

At least one in six Florida households spend over half of their income on housing and the number of Key West families who are struggling to afford rent is on the rise. On top of massive and ever-increasing housing costs and perpetually rising insurance rates, a new study has found that Key West residents spend $2,761 on monthly bills, 38.6% higher than the average Florida resident. Habitat for Humanity of Key West and Lower FL Keys is working closely with the local government as well as the state to address this need. 

“The cost of housing in our area is not sustainable. Families, who make up the backbone of our community, are leaving in droves. Rising insurance rates are exasperating the issue” stated Executive Director, Kristina Welburn. 

This funding is part of a $7.75 million donation to Habitat for Humanity International through the Wells Fargo Builds program to support the construction, renovation and repairing of more than 350 affordable homes across the U.S.