Naples family celebrates new home as Habitat Collier crosses milestones

A new chapter unfolded for Habitat for Humanity of Collier County and a Naples family as volunteers raised the walls on the final home in a brand-new neighborhood. This significant milestone marked not only the completion of the 109-home community at Majestic Place but also the beginning of a promising partnership aimed at expanding homeownership to more families.

Adriana Gutierrez, a future homeowner, expressed her excitement.

"Wow, it's a big day. It's super exciting. We never thought it was going to be like this," said Gutierrez.

For the Gutierrez family, the rising walls symbolize more than just a house; they represent stability and a promising future.

"We feel very blessed. We're so happy that they're here to help, you know, people like us," said Gutierrez.

Habitat Collier emphasized the importance of community involvement in projects like these. The organization announced a new partnership with Cars on Fifth, where proceeds from the luxury car show in February will support building homes similar to this one.

Tom O’Riordan, CEO of Naples Automotive Experience, highlighted the critical need for affordable housing in the area.

"I mean, obviously you're creating a home, you know, a permanent home for people that can't afford it. The number one need here in Collier County is affordable housing. It's the number one challenge," said O’Riordan.

Habitat Collier is committed to turning celebrations into long-term impacts, with a focus on creating more moments like the one witnessed today.

Lisa Lefkow, CEO of Habitat for Humanity, spoke about the organization's mission.

"What Habitat Collier does is to provide that access to affordable home ownership. And in this community, there is nobody else doing that important work. So we feel very privileged, but also we feel a burden of responsibility in ensuring that we're able to do that with more families," said Lefkow.

This partnership and the completion of the Majestic Place community signify a hopeful future for families in need of affordable housing in Collier County.