Taaliba Portillo’s story began over three years ago when she heard about Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity through a community outreach program at a local school.  She completed an application only to be denied the homeownership opportunity.  She was given a list of items that needed to be satisfied and was encouraged to try again once she completed the list.  Working hard to support her three children by caring for adults with special needs, Taaliba had limited time, but one by one, she persistently worked through her challenges to fulfill the necessary criteria.  Many times she just wanted to give up, fearing her family would never live in a safe, healthy home.  Their rental home had water leaks and mold, no air conditioning or heating and a landlord that did nothing about it.  One morning, she mustered up the strength to push forward and make a better life for her children…. daughter Takiyah, age 15 (a member of the junior ROTC program at Charlotte High School), son Rajah, age 5 and son Quest, age 2.  After three long years, Taaliba resubmitted an application for home ownership and was approved!  The joy on her face was worth a million dollars!  Her dedication and persistence finally paid off! 

Habitat helps more families 

Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity was excited to learn from Teri A Hansen, president and CEO of “Gulf Coast Community Foundation”, that we were selected for a $35,000 grant toward the purchase of new resale trucks. 

For those of you that support our three resale stores either by shopping or donating merchandise, you know that our trucks are all over town picking up or delivering items on a daily basis.  Actually, they travel from Burnt Store Marina all the way to Boca Grande and everywhere in between!  The timing of pick-ups and deliveries with donor’s schedules is critical.  With the aging of our trucks which were purchased “used” in 2001 and 2002, we have been struggling with untimely breakdowns that translate into costly repairs and lost revenue.

“Having reliable trucks for our stores will increase revenue which in turn creates more opportunities for us to provide families in need with a safe, decent, affordable home of their own”, stated Gabrielle Reineck, Senior Director of Outreach for Charlotte County Habitat.

Gulf Coast Community Foundation and their donors have transformed our region through bold and proactive philanthropy.  Gulf Coast is a public charity that was created in 1995 and has invested more than $130 million in grants.  Learn more at GulfCoastCF.org.

Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity provides safe, decent and affordable homes to low income families and is dedicated to eliminating poverty housing in our community one family at a time. To donate or volunteer, please call 941-639-3162 or visit www.charlottecountyhfh.org .

New Delivery Trucks (2)

Portable P.A. System - THANK YOU BRAD LINES!!!

New Flooring for Offices

52" Flatscreen TV with computer for conference presentations

Reliable cargo van for special events and small deliveries

If you would like to provide an item on our wish list, please contact: 
Gabrielle at 941-639-3162 or outreach@charlottecountyhfh.org