2010

February – President and CEO Vern Archibald retires after 20 years of service to the organization, and Katherine Green is named as his successor.

2009

Habitat for Humanity of Lee County raises the walls on its 1000th home on March 14, 2009.

2008

The recession affects all homeowners in Southwest Florida.  Habitat focuses on purchasing and rehabbing homes and reselling them to qualifying families.

2007

Habitat for Humanity of Lee County is named the second largest affiliate in the country for production and celebrated 25 years in the community.

The Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. awarded Habitat for Humanity of Lee County with the “Excellence in Construction” trophy for the innovation of Habitat’s Senior Housing Complex located in North Fort Myers.

2006

In July, 10 six-unit buildings were completed with all new appliances and handicapped accessibility for tenants. The project was a first-of-its-kind idea for any Habitat affiliate to take on. The concept was to provide decent, affordable rental units for low income senior citizens.

In March, Habitat for Humanity of Lee County receives the “Affiliate of the Year” award from Habitat International.

Also in March, Habitat for Humanity of Lee County was awarded the Sam Mompongo Award for its tithing efforts. Lee County’s Habitat affiliate tithes 10 percent of every mortgage dollar paid by the homeowners for their homes. That tithe goes to Habitat International to be used for building homes overseas.  Habitat for Humanity of Lee County gave more than a million dollars in tithe which paid for the construction of 500 homes overseas in 2006.

Habitat built 131 housing units in 2006.

2004

Habitat for Humanity of Lee County, Florida dedicated its 500th home in January, 2004.

Habitat for Humanity of Lee County broke ground on its landmark senior housing complex located near its office in North Fort Myers in November, 2004.

2001

Volunteers finished the wall-assembly system in the construction warehouse.  It consists of template tables where volunteers build the exterior walls of each home. Walls are constructed in the warehouse, strapped and stored in a lumber hanger, and transported to work sites where on-site volunteers complete a wall-raising. This system gave Habitat a boost in housing production from 40 homes a year to more than 80.

2000

Habitat for Humanity of Lee County built a construction warehouse at its current location in North Fort Myers. It was originally designed to store materials in bulk to take advantage of discount pricing. Volunteers recognized that the organization could streamline its bricks-and-sticks method of building homes on-site by creating a wall-assembly unit in the warehouse.

1999

Habitat for Humanity of Lee County expands its mission to Hendry County.

1995

In March, Habitat for Humanity dedicated its 100th home. The week of the dedication was proclaimed Habitat for Humanity Week in Lee County and the City of Fort Myers. Habitat for Humanity received a letter of congratulations from President Clinton.

Land located in Dunbar was purchased for the extensive subdivision called Habitat Beecher Village. This neighborhood of 73 homes was begun in October 1998 and completed in 2000.

1993

Habitat for Humanity opened a small storage area to assist homeowners with used furniture for their new homes.  Habitat supporters were so generous that the resale shop was soon opened to the public. As of 2010, the store has grown to a 27,000 sq. ft. facility in North Fort Myers, which is the largest thrift store in Lee County.  All profits from the thrift stores fund our affordable housing program.

1990

Vern Archibald is appointed the first Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity of Lee County in May, 1990.

1987

Twenty-one homes were completed and occupied in Harlem Heights. Building expanded from Harlem Heights to include many other areas of Lee County, including Sabal Palms, Pine Manor, Dunbar, Alva, North Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Cape Coral and Bonita Springs.

1982

In October, Habitat for Humanity of Lee County receives its charter to be an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International.

1980

Habitat for Humanity breaks ground on first Lee County home in Harlem Heights on February 23, 1980.