MEDIA ADVISORY

The Rimpson Family (left to right) Richard, Troi and Xzvyr will celebrate their home dedication in May. PHOTO CREDIT: Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties

Habitat Partners With Veteran Family for Special Home Build

Habitat's 4th Veterans Build Home took place in Clearwater.

Clearwater, FL – Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties has again teamed up with a local Veteran Family for a special home build. This is the 4th Veterans Home Build for Habitat.

The Rimpson Family is the home partner for this Veterans Home Build. Richard Rimpson is an Army veteran and will live in the home with his wife, Troi and their son, Xzavyr (21). The family has worked to put in at least 450 sweat equity hours and complete Habitat's homebuyer education program, which consists of 36 classes. The Rimpson Family will celebrate their journey to homeownership at their dedication celebration this Saturday, May 18th at 9:00 AM at 1156 LaSalle St., Clearwater, FL, 33755. May 18th is also National Armed Forces Day. 

The Rimpson Family volunteering on heir home in Clearwater alongside a group from 4-Star Sponsor General Dynamics. PHOTO CREDIT: Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties. 

Veterans Build Sponsors

Habitat is proud to have the support of community partners, particularly  4-Star Veterans Build Sponsors, General Dynamics and Guardian Trust - a commitment that included $25,000 and volunteer days on the home build for staff members. 

"At General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, we recognize the invaluable contributions made to our country by our Veterans," said Berkley Whaley, VP of Marketing & Communications at General Dynamics. We are honored to be a 4-star sponsor for the Habitat for Humanity Veteran build, an initiative that not only provides a much-needed residence for the family, but also symbolizes the community's gratitude and support for their service and sacrifices. We wish all the best to the Rimpson family.

The land was donated by Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicking legend Martín Gramática and his organization, the Gramatica Family Foundation. Gramática was on hand to surprise the Rimpson Family with acceptance into the Habitat Homeownership program on August 22, 2023.

Habitat CEO Mike Sutton (far left) surprising The Rimpson Family (middle) with acceptance into the homeownership program with Bucs kicking legan Martín Gramática (far right) at the Habitat offices in Clearwater in 2023. PHOTO CREDIT: Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties.

“The Gramatica Family Foundation is proud of our ongoing partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties,” said Martin Gramática. “We are so happy to be able to donate the land where the Rimpson family will not just build their home but also their lives for years to come.”

 

“We are grateful for the continued support of the Gramatica Foundation and their efforts to help veterans throughout the Tampa Bay region,” said Habitat president and CEO Mike Sutton. “We are proud to partner with General Dynamics and Guardian Trust as 4-Star sponsors on our 4th Veterans Build Home. We are grateful to the entire community for rallying behind The Rimpson Family on their journey to affordable homeownership."

Media are invited to attend this dedication. Interviews will be granted upon request. 

Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County and West Pasco Counties

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties has served over 800 homeowner partners since 1985. Volunteers and future homeowners construct the homes, which are sold at no profit and financed with a zero-interest loan. Habitat homeowner candidates earn 30 to 80 percent of the area median income. Candidates must demonstrate the need for adequate shelter; the ability to pay back a zero-interest loan and the willingness to partner with Habitat to complete a robust homebuyer education curriculum and invest 350 to 450 “sweat equity” hours. Mortgage monies are used to build even more homes, making each donation to Habitat a perpetual legacy to the community. Habitat believes that homeownership contributes to family stability, leading, in turn, to community stability. Additionally, the affiliate raises funds through their ReStores; home improvement outlets where donated household and building items are sold to the public. For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties, call (727) 536-4755 or visitwww.habitatpwp.org.