Habitat for Humanity of Walton County was recently chosen to be the beneficiary of Rosemary Beach Uncorked™, an annual event that sells out every year as visitors and locals flock to “eat, drink and be Rosemary”. The event is held in the idyllic coastal town of Rosemary Beach on Scenic 30A, where attendees stroll the cobblestone streets while sipping exquisite wines and tasting food from the local restaurants. This year’s event on October 14th marked the 7th year and it was the best year yet, raising $35,000.
Speaking of the event and funds raised, Teresa Imdieke, the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Walton County said, “With recent cuts in our funding this year, these proceeds mean so much to our organization. Lack of Affordable Housing in our area is at an all-time high. Over 100 applications that were approved for HUD vouchers could not be used last month because even with assistance the applicants couldn’t find an affordable place to rent. Habitat is proud to be a part of the solution in creating a permanent and affordable place for our local citizens to live, grow, and thrive.”
The mission of this organization is to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Applicants contribute 250 hours of their own time, go through an application process and have a mortgage for the base cost of the home.
Habitat homes are not given away. Homeowners contribute hours of “sweat equity” – their own labor – in the building on their house and other Habitat homes. They also attend home ownership classes and involve themselves in meaningful service to the community. They are fully invested partners in the building process.
Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty agent, Jo Stewart, spends her spare time volunteering for Habitat for Humanity of Walton County. She has spent 10 years on the board and is proud to be a part of this incredible organization.
“It’s a hand up, not a hand out,” Jo Stewart says. “Habitat contributes greatly to our community, building homes for those who can’t afford to live in our area.”
Learn more about our local Habitat for Humanity and find out how you can help make a difference here. You can volunteer, donate, attend events or shop at Restore – (located on South County Highway 393 in Santa Rosa Beach behind Hancock Bank).
