The Daily Record invites the local nonprofit community to submit news, announcements, success stories and other information they believe would be of interest to our readers. Email to: [email protected].
HabiJax dedicates 2,000th home during New Town ceremony
An outpouring of gratitude and blessings marked a recent ceremony in New Town as homeowners, volunteers, supporters and Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville (HabiJax) staff dedicated newly built homes, including the organization’s 2,000th home.
The dedication included remarks by city Director of Community Affairs Charles Moreland, City Council member Garrett Dennis and Andre’a Raysor, a new homeowner.
Raysor’s home was selected to represent the 12 new homes being dedicated as it is the 2,000th home built by HabiJax.
The largest affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International in the U.S., HabiJax has provided housing services to more than 2,000 families since 1988.
HabiJax has committed its experience, housing products and services to revitalizing the historic neighborhood of New Town and is a partner in the New Town Success Zone.
For information about HabiJax or to learn about volunteer opportunities, visit HabiJax.org.
‘Night at the Library’ benefit is July 23
Learn to Read Jacksonville will host “Night at the Library … Where the Characters Come to Life,” to benefit the nonprofit’s free adult literacy programs.
The event begins at 7 p.m. July 23 in the Lovett Courtyard at the Main Library Downtown.
Attendees are invited to come dressed as their favorite book character or in cocktail/evening attire.
The event will feature food, drinks, music by Akia Uwanda and her band, a silent auction and costume contest.
Tickets are $100 per person. Visit LearnToReadJax.org to buy tickets.
Community Nutcracker of Jacksonville is a Night at the Library sponsor. Additional sponsorships are available. To learn more, call (904) 238-9000.
Ability Housing developing $26M apartments in Orlando
The Florida Housing Finance Corp. has approved housing credits and a low-interest loan to provide $26.1 million in upfront equity for Jacksonville-based Ability Housing to develop 166 affordable and supportive-housing apartments in Orlando.
The award includes a $5 million State Apartment Incentive Loan and a $21.1 million housing credit allocation.
Ability Housing competed against five other projects in the state and received the highest score in the competitive award process.
The renovated housing will serve low-income residents, with half of the units reserved for families facing homelessness.
Ability Housing owns four apartment communities and 29 single-family rental homes in Northeast Florida.
Last year, at the request of the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness and with the support of the JPMorgan Chase Foundation, the organization expanded its operations into that area.
For more information, visit abilityhousing.org.
Nominations sought for environmental awards
The Environmental Protection Board is seeking nominations for the annual environmental awards.
The Charles E. Bennett Champion of the Environment Award recognizes people who have exhibited –– over a long term –– professionalism, diligence and commitment as a champion of the environment in protecting or preserving the natural resources of Duval County
The Christi P. Veleta Environmental Award recognizes people in Duval County who have consistently promoted environmental education and outreach, exhibited long-term environmental awareness and displayed superior environmental initiatives.
The awards recognize nominees for superior, creative and innovative efforts in five categories:
• Individual
• Government/institutional (public sector or educational institution)
• Community/civic (nonprofits, social or civic groups, neighborhood associations, etc.)
• Business (more than 50 employees and/or annual sales of more than $5 million)
• Small business (fewer than 50 employees and/or annual sales of $5 million or less)
The deadline for nominations is July 15.
The awards will be presented at the 2016 Environmental Protection Board and University of North Florida Environmental Symposium on Sept. 9 at the Adam W. Herbert University Center.
For more information and a nomination form, visit the Environmental Protection Board page at coj.net.