Mary Kay O’Rourke
President & CEO
Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville Inc. (HabiJax)
Mission
Our mission is to demonstrate the love and teachings of Jesus Christ by
• Building and renovating high quality affordable housing.
• Serving as a partner and catalyst to create safe and sustainable communities.
• Advocating on behalf of those in need of high-quality affordable housing.
Serving Jacksonville
Since 1988
Those served
HabiJax builds and renovates high-quality affordable houses, mainly in the urban core of Jacksonville, and sells them to lower-income, qualified buyers, with a no-interest mortgage. HabiJax has provided affordable housing to more than 1,750 families in Duval County since 1988.
Biggest challenge
To align client and community needs with funding and resources.
Biggest satisfaction
To turn over the keys to a new homeowner family who now has improved living conditions and affordability. The satisfaction of all partners coming together to celebrate this achievement – homeowner, sponsor, volunteers and staff – a time for joy, tears, accomplishment and recognition.
Hometown
Bloomfield, N.J.
First experience with community service
Girl’s Scouts, which led to many years of committed involvement with many community, political and religious organizations. I have adopted the Rotary motto: Service before Self.
Your job before HabiJax
Welfare Director, Township of Cedar Grove, N.J.
Upcoming events
Give & Go: Jaguars tickets, ongoing.
Cocktails for a Cause: 4:30-7 p.m., Friday, University Club.
Touchdown for Homes: 5-7:30 p.m., Oct. 18, City Hall Pub.
Winn-Dixie Jacksonville Open: Oct. 18-24, TPC Sawgrass.
Yo Gabba Gabba Live: 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., Oct. 27, Times-Union Center.
Contact information
www.habijax.org
798-4529