Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity, through God's love and direction was able to build 36 homes during the 2008 calendar year. 36 families who were living in overpriced rental situations, houses where there was substandard plumbing, electrical or structural issues, houses where crime was escalating daily - these families are now in their own safe, clean and affordable homes in Charlotte County. 2009 promises to be an even bigger and busier year for us. With 31 families currently in our homeownership program, completing their 300+ sweat equity hours, and attending the required 12 homeowner classes, we are breaking ground, raising walls, and dedicating houses at a record rate. This month of January, 2009 has given us many occasions to celebrate. On January 10th, Habitat staff, volunteers, family and friends helped Kent and Lea Warner and family dedicate their new Habitat home on Faith St in Port Charlotte, and the week of January 19-23 hosted two ground breakings for Debbie Bumgardner and son, on Norwick St and Doris Grover and family on Albany St, both in Port Charlotte. Then on Friday, January 30th at 9:30 a.m., Habitat will be celebrating with the Sumpter, Rainville, Deggard and Patton families at 901 Henry St in Punta Gorda, at the group dedication of all of their homes. Following that event, Habitat will also join with the Sapp and McLean families to dedicate their new homes at 600 Fitzhugh St in Punta Gorda, on Saturday February 7th at 9:30 am. We encourage to public to attend all Charlotte County Habitat functions where you can learn about becoming a Habitat homeowner, volunteering for Habitat, or becoming a donor to the work of building decent and affordable houses for families in need, in Charlotte County. Call Charlotte County Habitat at 941-639-3162 for more information.