POC: Debbie Ashbrook, CEO, (850) 763-8078

PANAMA CITY – April 28, 2022 - With the official “First Nail Ceremony” opening of the construction site scheduled for April 29^th, the Central Panhandle Association of REALTORS® is coming together for its first ever build, partnering with Habitat for Humanity of Bay County to build an affordable home for a limited-income family. This build will go to the selected family, a single mother and son duo that have been living out of their camper since Hurricane Michael. The home is being built for them in Callaway,FL at 120 Larry Dr.

Friday’s event will welcome volunteers from the Central Panhandle Association of REALTORS®, which is comprised of both REALTORS® and organization Power Partners. Power partners are a group of loyal, hardworking affiliate members who support the growth and promotion of the Central Panhandle association of REALTORS®.

Members from Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson, Washington and Bay counties have been invited to the construction site on Friday, April 29, at 9:00 a.m. Ceremony guests, and speakers, include Mayor Pamn Henderson, City Manager Eddie Cook, participating Commissioners and Kyle Shoots of Calvary Panama City, who will offer the blessing on the home. Emcees will take the platform at 9:30. Immediately following the ceremony, volunteers will begin supporting the initial construction project.  

“Affordable homeownership can lead to stability, pride, confidence and so much more,” said Susan West, 2022 Central Panhandle Association of REALTORS® president. “Central Panhandle Association of REALTORS® is honored to support this year’s build for this hard-working Bay County mother and her 10-year-old son.” 

Additional participating sponsors for the House that CPAR Built home includes the Bay County Contractors and Associates, Jerry Wilson’s Roofing, EPCI Code Administration Services, Marshall Brothers Construction & Engineering, Inc., Southern Lumber Supply of Dothan, Flooring Depot, Sherwin Williams of Bay County, Neves Media Solutions, Simply Granite, The Blind Co. FL, New American Funding, People’s First Insurance, The Duran Group, Elite Realty, Catriese Johsnon at The Hungry Agent CW, Think Real Estate, Defender Title and Escrow Agency, Pillar to Post Home Inspectors, Ferguson’s, Gulf Coast Air Conditioning, Coastal Code Services and Quick Tie Systems.  The organizations Communications Committee has fundraised almost $70,000 to sponsor this project through efforts such as: Brick Sales (to be placed outside of CPAR’s doors), T-Shirt Sales, a Bake Sale, the generosity of in-kind sponsors, as well as monetary donations from the organizations general membership. Since beginning the project, the cost to construct the home has increased almost $20,000, due to inflation.

The prospective homeowner will fulfill Habitat Bay Counties 500 sweat equity volunteer hours and homeowner education requirements before closing on their affordable home mortgage once the homes are completed. She is also required to pay $1,000 towards closing costs and pay the first year’s homeowners insurance.

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About Central Panhandle Association of Realtors®, CPAR

Central Panhandle Association of REALTORS® is a member-based organization with 2,100 Realtors and 250 Power Partners covering Bay, Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington counties. We are supporters of our community and contributed over $93,000 to local charity organizations in 2021. Our REALTORS® maintain a standard of excellence and uphold the Code of Ethics adopted by the National Association of Realtors®. We are advocates for private property and homeownership rights. We are the Multiple Listing Service that makes the market work by providing the marketplace with accurate listing and market data. We are the original source for every REALTOR® and every listing in our service area. We are the voice for real estate in Northwest Florida. For more information, visit our website at www.PanhandleMLS.com