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Duke Energy Florida's Ongoing Commitment to Affordable Housing

In a significant move towards enhancing affordable housing options in Florida, Duke Energy Florida and its foundation have announced a grant of $75,000 that will benefit several local Habitat for Humanity organizations. This latest donation marks a continued investment in community wellbeing and affordable housing initiatives, with the total contributions surpassing $200,000 since 2020.

Support to Habitat for Humanity

The grants are strategically directed towards three specific Habitat for Humanity affiliates:

• - $5,000 for Habitat for Humanity of Seminole County and Greater Apopka
• - $20,000 for Habitat for Humanity of Lake Sumter
• - $30,000 for Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside

In addition to these targeted grants, Duke Energy has allocated another $20,000 to support operational costs for these essential nonprofit organizations this year. Melissa Seixas, state president of Duke Energy Florida, emphasized the importance of this initiative:

“Habitat for Humanity builds homes, communities, and hope. Supporting nonprofit organizations like Habitat for Humanity allows the company to improve the vitality of the communities we serve while making a lasting difference in the lives of individual customers.”

Strengthening Community Ties

Mike Sutton, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside, echoed Seixas’ sentiments, highlighting the critical role that companies like Duke Energy play in fostering homeownership affordability for hardworking families.

“We appreciate the support from companies that recognize the significance of affordable homeownership and the need to assist hard-working families within our communities,” he stated.

Both organizations share a vision of constructing safe, affordable, and energy-efficient homes that enhance the communities they inhabit. The partnership continues to thrive through not just financial support, but also the commitment of Duke Energy employees who volunteer their time and labor, participating in home-building events in west Orange and Citrus counties later this year.

Volunteering Efforts

The ongoing partnership between Duke Energy and Habitat for Humanity fosters a strong sense of community involvement. Employees are expected to bring more than just their skills to the building process; they will also offer compassion and determination that reflect the company’s pledge to community support.

Since 2020, Duke Energy Florida and its foundation's contributions have exceeded $200,000, part of a larger commitment across all jurisdictions that has involved over 10,000 volunteer hours and a total of $1 million in donations to Habitat for Humanity.

About Duke Energy Foundation

Duke Energy Foundation is a vital resource that provides over $30 million annually in philanthropic support, focusing on the needs and growth of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. Funded by Duke Energy shareholders, the foundation aims to create lasting impacts through its various initiatives.

Duke Energy Florida operates in a service area covering 13,000 square miles, providing electricity to 2 million residential, commercial, and industrial customers. As part of its commitment to energy transition, Duke Energy is actively investing in smarter grid systems and cleaner energy sources, including renewables and energy storage.

To learn more about Habitat for Humanity’s efforts and better understand how you can contribute or get involved, visit the national website and explore the 49 affiliate organizations across Florida.

Conclusion

Duke Energy's unwavering dedication to affordable housing exemplifies the role of corporate entities in meeting community needs and driving positive change. Their partnership with Habitat for Humanity not only provides financial support but also ignites hope and builds futures for many families in need across Florida.