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Habitat For Humanity Fixing Up Area Homes - For Free

    Habitat For Humanity may be known for helping construct homes for low-income families, but this week an estimated 40 existing homes throughout the county are getting improved through Habitat’s Preservation and Repair program.
    Early this week, crews were in Umatilla painting homes and clearing away overgrown brush, with nearly 30 volunteers undertaking projects.  Similar crews were busy in Mount Dora and South Lake County.
    "Habitat Lake Sumter's Preservation and Repair program works to preserve the existing affordable housing stock, improve the safety and accessibility of the homes through exterior repairs, and revitalize low-income neighborhoods and community spaces," said Lacie Himes, Development Director for Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter.  "Block Parties are community-focused initiatives that provide the local neighborhood with clean-up, landscaping, and fresh painting."
    In Umatilla, Habitat staff conducted a survey of properties it could support, and on Monday of this week descended on Lori Court, South Orange Avenue, and Oak Avenue.  The work follows up a project undertaken last week at the Umatilla Police Department. Projects are approved by property owners, at no cost to them, with companies like Florida Paints helping to support the effort with supplies.
    A large group of volunteers from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy  - a school which trains emergency management professionals - were among the volunteers working in Umatilla. 
    Officials with Habitat on Monday said the crews would be in Umatilla throughout this week, and plan to come back in several months to undertake more projects.