FPU Honored as Home Sponsor for Habitat Home in Gillis Ridge
Chipola Area Habitat for Humanity held a Home Sponsor Recognition event this week to celebrate the completion of the newest home in the Gillis Ridge subdivision and to honor Florida Public Utilities (FPU) for sponsoring the project through the state’s Community Contribution Tax Credit Program.
Habitat Executive Director Kevin Yoder opened the ceremony by recognizing the many groups who contributed to the home’s construction. He thanked the organization’s construction team, this week’s volunteer crew, and the community members who helped build walls during Women Build and later returned for the Rural Rally workdays.
Yoder also pointed to key partners, the city of Marianna and Florida Public Utilities, who have embraced Habitat’s efforts to expand affordable housing. He offered a brief history of the organization, which began in 1988 and has now completed 108 homes, including the growing cluster in Gillis Ridge. What was once a vacant donated lot is now a cornerstone of a broader revitalization effort.
“This isn’t just about building houses. It’s about transforming communities,” he said.
FPU Assistant Vice President of Operations Will Haffecke told attendees it was an honor for the company to support a project that directly benefits local families.
“We hope we show that we’re more than just a utility company,” he said. “We truly want to be a partner in the community.”
Haffecke then introduced Regional Manager of Electric Operations Mark Cutshaw, who helped build the relationship that made the sponsorship possible.
Cutshaw recounted his first experience with Habitat nearly three decades ago during a Marianna build coordinated with the Rotary Club. That early project, he said, showed him the impact Habitat makes and why FPU’s values align so well with the organization’s mission.
He noted that FPU employees enjoyed volunteering during this year’s Women Build and emphasized that the company aims to be involved both hands-on and financially. This year, FPU donated $457,000 to charitable organizations across Florida, with $154,500 invested directly in the Marianna area.
“As we move forward, we want to continue to be involved with Habitat for Humanity here and in other communities,” Cutshaw said.
Cynthia Williams, programs director for Chipola Area Habitat, spoke about the life-changing impact behind the celebration. She shared the story of the new homeowner, Keisha Williams, who first came into the Habitat office nervous and expecting rejection.
“Seventy-five percent of the people who walk through our doors expect to hear ‘no,’ because that’s what they’ve heard everywhere else,” Williams said.
Over nearly three years, Keisha worked through the program while raising her three children. Her youngest son suffers from severe asthma and had been hospitalized more than 30 times due to poor insulation in their previous home. The improved living conditions, Williams explained, will have a direct effect on his health.
“When we say what we do transforms people’s lives, it’s beyond just getting into a house,” she said. “It affects their health. It affects their ability to dream.”
Williams emphasized that homeowners remain part of the Habitat family long after their mortgages are paid, often calling for guidance years later. She closed by thanking FPU, the city of Marianna, and every partner who helps advance Habitat’s mission that everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to live.
Despite dreary weather, supporters gathered to witness not only a new beginning for one family but a meaningful example of what community partnership can accomplish. As Gillis Ridge continues to grow, Habitat leaders say they hope the subdivision will stand as a model for how collaboration can strengthen neighborhoods, support families, and open doors to brighter futures.
