Habitat for Humanity of CFC House Dedication

Habitat for Humanity, Friends Say “Welcome Home!” to New Bridgeport Homeowners Celebration marks local Habitat affiliate’s 180th Fairfield County home

          (March 4, 2014) - Bridgeport, CT:  Wilton resident Doug Owen recently joined Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County (Habitat CFC), Bank of America, and Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch at a Home Dedication celebration to welcome new homeowners, Luis and Elizabeth Burgos and their four school age children, to their new home on Kossuth Street in Bridgeport.

This new home located on Kossuth Street on the East Side of Bridgeport is Habitat CFC’s 180th home in Fairfield County.  The Sound Coalition, a group of local churches committed to eliminating unsafe housing, joined Habitat CFC’s Women Build program and Bank of America in providing sponsorship and funding for this project.  Doug Owen of Wilton Congregational Church was delighted to welcome the family to their new home on behalf of the entire Sound Coalition.

The Burgos home is the second Bridgeport home generously sponsored by Bank of America as part of Habitat CFC’s Women Build program which empowers local women to make a difference in their community by helping build decent, affordable homes.  "The Burgos family now has a place to call home -- proof positive that Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County not only builds much-needed housing, but stronger neighborhoods and communities as well," said Bill Tommins, Southern Connecticut market president, Bank of America. "This project is a prime example of Habitat's tireless work improving the quality of life in Fairfield County through housing and social services."

In addition to Bank of America volunteers, much of the Burgos home was built by new and returning Women Build volunteers from Stratford to Greenwich, including local first ladies Sonya Finch, Mary Himes, and Cynthia Blumenthal who worked onsite with Habitat CFC to build on a lot contributed by the City of Bridgeport. “Congratulations to the Burgos family on their new home in Bridgeport’s East Side,” said Mayor Bill Finch. “My wife Sonya and I were proud to work alongside the Burgos’ with Mary Himes and Cynthia Blumenthal to make their dream of homeownership come true. Through our City’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity, we have been able to breathe new life into former vacant lots, and blighted properties by building beautiful new homes for deserving families.”

It was a joyous and emotional day for Luis and Elizabeth Burgos as their dreams of home ownership came true, thanks to their hard work combined with the generous donations of volunteer labor and funding from the local community.  They can’t wait to enjoy dinner as a family together at one table since the kitchen of their small apartment is too small for this.  Next winter will also be much warmer as all new Habitat CFC homes are Energy Star rated.

The welcome the Burgos family received from 137th District Councilwomen Milta I. Feliciano and Lydia N. Martinez was also extra special as Councilwoman Martinez also officiated as Luis and Elizabeth were married several years ago.

As is traditional, the Home Dedication took place as the final phase of construction began, with the family expected to move in within the next few weeks. Among those joining other Habitat CFC homeowners, supporters, and friends and family of the Burgos’ were students from Habitat’s Youth United chapter who presented a bookcase they built for the new home and filled with donated books selected for the Burgos children.

Habitat for Humanity homes are built primarily by volunteers, helping to keep the costs well below market. These homes are sold to working families, like the Burgos, at cost with zero interest mortgages, which keeps monthly mortgage payments affordable.  The Burgos family, like all Habitat CFC homeowners, invested 500 hours of volunteer work as “sweat equity” in their new home.

About Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County

Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County™ is an independently run, local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, which is dedicated to eliminating poverty housing wherever it exists.  Habitat CFC seeks to build community and improve lives by partnering with low-income families in need of a place to live and with community volunteers and donors to build simple, safe, and affordable neighborhoods.  For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.habitatcfc.org or call 203.333.2642.  To donate new or gently used furniture and help build Habitat homes, please visit www.fairfieldcountyrestore.org or call the ReStore at 203.383.435 for details.

Picture #3

Board Member Eric Fjeldal looks on as co-sponsor Doug Owen of Sound Coalition

speaks about their experience with Habitat for Humanity CFC and the Burgos Family

Photographer: Angie Nista