Habitat for Humanity raises walls of first 17 homes in new McNeill Village neighborhood

NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. - March 27, 2024 - PRLog -- Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties has raised the walls on the first 17 homes in its new McNeill Village neighborhood, a new affordable housing community being built in North Fort Myers.

Marking the halfway point of the project, the first set of walls were raised between Feb. 15 and March 2 with the help of Habitat volunteers and supporters. The 17 homes will be move-in ready this year, with the remaining homes to be built next year. Once completed, the neighborhood will present 36 single-family homes featuring three and four-bedroom designs.

"We are so grateful for the generosity of our donors, the foresight of our county leaders and the tireless effort of our volunteers," said Becky Lucas, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties. "We are excited to see their dreams of homeownership come true for our homebuyers."

In June 2022, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners allocated $2.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to Habitat for Humanity for the McNeill Village neighborhood. Because of these funds, Habitat was able to begin developing the new community one year ahead of schedule. During this time last year, Habitat staff, volunteers, sponsors and community leaders were gathered for the neighborhood's land dedication.

"One of the greatest things that Habitat provides to its clients is the ability for them to build equity not only through their homes but also through the value and worth they feel within themselves to pursue and achieve their dreams," said Lee County Commissioner Brian Hamman. "The impact of having a home is that it provides you with the knowledge that at the end of the day you always have a place that offers you the love, warmth and safety of family."

To celebrate the impact of McNeill Village, Habitat is honoring its longest-serving supporters within the organization, who have each dedicated more than 20 years toward Habitat's mission of building homes, communities and hope. The 36 single-family homes are being built along Tanya Circle, named after Habitat's Chief Operating Officer, Tanya Soholt. Duck's Pond is named after Habitat's Construction District Supervisor, Donald "Duck" Holscher. Patino Park is named after Senior Construction District Supervisor, Eduardo Patino.

McNeill Village is a 10-acre planned Habitat community situated between Pondella Road and McNeill Road. The Homeowners Association (HOA) managed neighborhood is thoughtfully designed to foster a strong sense of community and offers homeowners convenient access to public transportation, quality schools, hospitals and medical centers.

To learn more about Habitat's Affordable Homeownership Program or to become a home sponsor, visit Habitat4Humanity.org. (http://www.habitat4humanity.org/)