Habitat for Humanity of Key West and Lower Florida Keys is preparing to expand its hurricane recovery response.  Through the Habitat Hammers Back initiative, the local affiliate is working closely with Habitat International to assist homeowners in need.

Debbie Swift Batty, Board President stated, “We’re in a unique position to assist homeowners in the Lower Keys repair their homes with skilled construction staff and volunteers and we’ve received many generous donations for hurricane home repairs.”

Habitat recovery efforts include repair of damaged homes by replacing drywall, rebuilding stairs, decking and fences as well as preforming other construction tasks as needed.

Interviews are currently being conducted to hire site supervisors, construction managers and intake coordinators with the intent on being fully staffed and ready to begin continuous work to help families rebuild their lives by the beginning of February.

“We’re eager to begin helping our neighbors make their homes a safe a decent place to live”, said Swift Batty.

To qualify for the program individuals must own their home as their primary residence, the family must fall at or below Area Median Income (AMI) guidelines, and be ready and willing to help work on their homes alongside Habitat staff and volunteers.  Due to generous support from donors, homeowner payments will be for materials only, and structured on a sliding scale according to homeowner income.  The labor will be donated to the homeowners.

Key West and Lower Keys Habitat for Humanity believes that every man, woman and child deserves a decent, safe and affordable place to live.

Applications will be available beginning February 1.