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About Habitat Middle Keys

Habitat Middle Keys began in 1991 and is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seeks to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities and hope. We are a volunteer based locally run affiliate dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide. We believe that every man, woman and child deserve to have a simple, safe and affordable home to call their own.

All are welcome.

Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys has an open-door policy: All who believe that everyone needs a decent, affordable place to live are welcome to help with the work, regardless of race, religion, age, gender, political views, or any of the other distinctions that too often divide people. In short, Habitat welcomes volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds and also serve people in need of decent housing regardless of race or religion. A a matter of policy, Habitat for Humanity International and its affiliated organizations do not proselytize. This means that Habitat will not offer assistance on the expressed or implied condition that people must either adhere to or convert to a particular faith, or listen and respond to a messaging designed to induce conversion to a particular faith.

Our Vison

A world where everyone has a decent place to live.

Mission

Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.

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.

VOLUNTEER OFFICERS

Ryan Elwell

2024 President

Ryan Elwell

Manager Royal Furniture

Read More About Ryan
  • Resident of Marathon: 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.
Ryan Elwell

2024 Vice President

Andres Herrera

Director of Ops, Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club

Read More About Andres
  • Resident of Marathon: 10+ years
  • Brings to Habitat: Passion and willingness to serve He enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter and dog.
Ryan Elwell

2024 Secretary

Erin Arnett

Principal and Business Owner, Appraisal Certified Services, Inc.

Read More About Erin
  • 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.

2024 Treasurer

Ben Roche

CPA

 

Read More About Ben
  • 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.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Cindy McKnight

Case Manager, Guidance Clinic of the Middle Keys

 

Read More About Cindy
  • Resident of Marathon: 30+ years
  • Brings to Habitat: A wealth of knowledge and decades helping others.

Lisa Ziels

Senior Closing Agent

 

Pastor John Krainer

New Life Church

 

OUR STAFF

Mike Puto

Executive Director

Christine Todd Young

Ryan Elwell

Family Services Manager

Meghan Richardson

ReStore Manager

Lily Williamson

ReStore Assistant Manager

Lee MacDonald

Mike Puto

ReStore Customer Service Mgr.

Marissa Sivyer

Ryan Elwell

ReStore Donation Pick-Up Specialist

Henry De Armas Leyva

ReStore Donation Pick-Up Specialist

Casie Wilkes