Habitat for Humanity to dedicate first green home in Martin County

Kelly Beard, a member of the Treasure Coast community. This story is neither endorsed by nor affiliated with this site.

Originally published 06:19 p.m., November 3, 2010
Updated 06:19 p.m., November 3, 2010

STUART — On Wednesday, Nov. 10 at 4 p.m., Habitat for Humanity of Martin County will dedicate the first green home in Martin County and the city of Stuart, also the first green build for the local Habitat affiliate.

The home is located at 808 Tarpon Avenue in East Stuart and it is the first home Leonardo Rodriguez’s family will own. The Stuart resident is currently renting an apartment with his son.

“It’s a miracle; a dream come true,” Rodriguez said. “I’m the first member of my family to build and own a home in the United States.”

Rodriguez contributed 300 sweat equity hours working on his home and the homes of others as a requirement to become a Habitat homeowner. Through donations of funds, materials and volunteer labor, Habitat was able to build the home and sell it at an affordable price. Rodriguez will purchase the home with a no-profit loan and his monthly mortgage payments will be used to build more Habitat homes.

The construction of Habitat’s green homes conforms to environmentally sensitive standards, meeting gold rating requirements by the Florida Green Building Coalition.

“This Habitat project in Martin County proves you can build green-certified homes with little to no additional costs,” Habitat’s green consultant, Kyle Abney of Abney + Abney Green Solutions, Inc said. “Green features such as proper orientation, using light interior colors to reflect natural light, low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and adhesives, extended overhangs for shade, not installing a garbage disposal, using low-flow shower heads, faucets and toilets, and xeriscaping are all utilized in this home and can be done in any home.”

This project is made possible thanks to the City of Stuart Community Redevelopment Agency, which provided a $100,000 “green initiatives” grant to help finance three green homes. Habitat is partnering with Abney + Abney Green Solutions, Inc., Braden & Braden architects and HJA Design Studio which provided consultations on the construction of this and the other Habitat green homes in East Stuart. Special thanks to the generous sponsors who also contributed to this project: Boys and Girls Club of Martin County, The Batchelor Foundation, Publix Super Markets Charities, Realtors Association of Martin County, TD Bank Charitable Foundation, Treasure Coast Community Church and Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation.

“We’re really excited about this project. This is our first green home, made possible by a grant from the City of Stuart,” said City Manager Dan Hudson at the home’s groundbreaking in February. “What we’re looking to do here in the East Stuart community is promote homeownership. Thanks to our partnership with Habitat, it’s becoming a reality for qualified applicants.”

The event will include a ceremonial dedication, open house and refreshments. Habitat staff and consultants will be on hand to answer questions about the construction, as well as the sustainable/environmentally friendly components.

To learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Martin County, visit http://www.HabitatMartin.org or call (772) 223-9940.

About Habitat for Humanity of Martin County

Habitat for Humanity of Martin County is a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven organization that extends the opportunity to purchase simple, decent, affordable homes to local families who would not otherwise have that chance. The three key criteria necessary in order to make homeownership a reality for families include the need for shelter, ability to pay, and willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity. For more information, call (772) 223-9940 or visit http://www.HabitatMartin.org.

This story is contributed by a member of the Treasure Coast community and is neither endorsed by nor affiliated with this site.

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