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Put your faith into action
and make dreams for our
hard working community come true
Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Corporation FEIN 65-0279086
Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Registration #: CH41662
"A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF
CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY
ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE"
Habitat for Humanity
Marathon, Florida serving the Middle Keys
Habitat of the Middle Keys builds and renovates homes in partnership with individuals and families who qualify for homeownership based on three criteria: demonstrated need; willingness to partner; and an ability to repay the mortgage. Habitat sells its houses at no profit, with zero interest loans. Applicants selected for the program must invest 350 hours of labor — "sweat equity" — into building their homes and the homes of others. Their mortgage payments go into a revolving Fund for Habitat that is used to build more houses for other deserving people throughout the Middle Florida Keys. We build these homes and create truly affordable homeownership for those regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, family status and disability.
Our Volunteer Officers
2023 President: Mike Puto
Self Employed, Consultant and Executive Director for FKCA
- Resident of Marathon: for 73 years
- Serves/Served also on: "every Board there has ever been in the Middle Keys".. most notable is FKEC, College of the Florida Keys, 16th Judicial Nominating Commission, Rotary, Childrens' Shelter
- Brings to Habitat: Value. Knowledge of all things Marathon and in the Keys.
- He loves golf and tennis and cherishes his title "Mr. Marathon" bestowed upon him many decades ago.
2023 Vice President: Ryan Elwell
Manager Royal Furniture
- Resident of Marathon: his entire life 45 years
- Serves/Served also on: MLKAR, KAIR, REACH and Marathon Chamber of Commerce
- Brings to Habitat: Growing up here creates a strong love of our community and knowledge of it and fondness of all things "Keys"
- His family has owned properties and businesses in the Keys since 1959 (some of which are in the same locations), growing up here he could not get away with anything because everyone knew his parents and grandparents, which was "a curse" but now raising his two beautiful daughters here he loves that — they can't get away with anything either.
2023 Treasurer: Ben Roche
CPA
- Resident of Marathon: 30+ years
- Serves/Served also on: Fishermen's Hospital, Marathon Chamber and others
- Brings to Habitat: Passion to help people in our community and love of all things numbers.
- He is a happy grandpa.
2023 Secretary: Dianne Weitz
Registered Nurse
- Resident of Marathon: 22 years
- Serves/Served also on: Zonta, FKEC Charitable Trust, Leadership Monore, and many more.
- Brings to Habitat: Her love and care for people "If I can't help someone in some way, I will do my best to support and assist".
- She grew up on and Island in Michigan with only 18 houses — surrounded by water — a water baby from the start and now enjoying the waters of the Keys, paddleboarding and more. She has 3 wonderful children and 3 wonderful grandchildren.
Our 2023 Board of Directors
Erin Arnett
Principal and Business Owner, Appraisal Certified Services, Inc.
- Resident of Marathon: 20+ years
- Serves/Served also on: Rotary, Zonta and Marathon Chamber of Commerce
- Brings to Habitat: Knowledge of real estate values
- She has 6 siblings and her parents were happily married all their lives until her mother's passing a couple of years ago.
Christina Gonzalez
Owner, Destination Designs Event Planning and in nursing school.
- Resident of Marathon: her whole life 30+ years
- Serves/Served also on: Take Stock in Children and Zonta
- Brings to Habitat: Knowledge of the community and the struggles seen for working families, some having to move out of our community due to the cost of home ownership.
- Her daughter is a Freshman in college (Tallahassee) and her son is a Freshman at Marathon High School (who made the varsity baseball team).
Andres Herrera
Director of Ops, Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club
- Resident of Marathon: 10+ years
- Brings to Habitat: Passion and willingness to serve He enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter and dog.
Cindy McKnight
Case Manager, Guidance Clinic of the Middle Keys
- Resident of Marathon: 30+ years
- Brings to Habitat: A wealth of knowledge and decades helping others.
Our Staff
Executive Director
Christine Todd Young
Family Services Manager
Meghan Richardson
Construction Manager
Dave May
Our Operating Committees
- Homeowner Selection & Support Committee is responsible for selection process of applicants for approval as prospective homeowners and for providing them support throughout their sweat equity, home ownership education, home purchase process, adjustment to new responsibilities and continued partnership with the organization.
- Church & Community Relations Committee seeks to strengthen our relationship and support of our affiliate’s work by gaining volunteers, prayer, and partnership from our community churches and community overall.
- Site Selection & Building identifies and evaluates potential sites and coordinates all labor, plans, and materials to build a safe and affordable home for hard working residents in Marathon, FL.
- Resource Development & Fundraising Committee is responsible for developing and coordinating the raising of funds needed for Habitat Middle Keys to continue our mission.
Our Vision
A world where everyone has a decent place to live.
Our Mission Statement
Seeking to put God's love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.