World Habitat Day Grand Opening for Domestic Global Village

EUSTIS, Fla. (August 2, 2013) Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter is announcing the anticipated Grand Opening of its fully renovated Domestic Global Village of Central Florida on Monday October 7^th, 2013- an opening that will coincide with World Habitat Day- and is already welcoming inquiries for any groups that wish to be a part of the affiliate’s newest initiative.

“Habitat has long been known as the premiere organization that utilizes volunteers for community good. Now, Habitat of Lake Sumter, FL is expanding that model in a major way. Its called Domestic Global Village of Central Florida.  Programs like VolunTourism, and Collegiate Challenge will be run from our new 14,000 sq. ft. Volunteer Village facility in Eustis,” explained Habitat CEO Kent Adcock.

The facility itself, which will boast amenities such as a game room, campus-wide Wi-Fi, a media & movie room, and outdoor recreation facilities along with bunk-style living accommodations is anticipated to house approximately 100 “voluntourist” visitors a week at its capacity. Each registered group will volunteer and tour based on their choice of one of three participation models.

VolunTourism Village Model:  Volunteer 3 days/ Tour 3 days

Neighborhood Builder Model:  Volunteer 4 days/ Tour 2 days

Community Champion Model: Volunteer 5 days/ Tour 1 day

As CEO Kent Adcock detailed, “At Habitat we are not just building homes but communities as well. We at Habitat believe that investment of social capital will result in helping solve many problems and challenges our communities face. We simply feel that community challenges are best addressed within the context of community involvement. There is no better way to make an impact and leave a legacy than to intentionally become socially philanthropic.”

While the affiliate’s 10- year vision is to mobilize 50,000 volunteers in making a difference in Lake and Sumter counties, the process will all start with a ribbon cutting and a grand opening on World Habitat Day – a day intended to:

• Call attention to the need for better shelter around the world.
• To let it be known that affordable, adequate housing should be a priority
• To Change the systems, policies and attitudes that lead to poverty housing, and creating partnerships to find solutions.

So, whether it is assisting in building affordable housing, helping increase the capacity of one of its vital community non-profit partners, or helping reduce the burden of local municipal government services, the opening of the Domestic Global Village, and the groups who chose to be a part of its programs, will become a catalyst for community ownership and involvement for many years to come. If you would like more information about how your volunteer group can be a part of VolunTourism of Central Florida, you may contact Tesa at  engagement@habitatls.org or call (352) 483-0434 ex. 121.