Habitat For Humanity Of Broward Celebrates Major Milestone With The Completion Of BBI Village In Fort Lauderdale

For many of the new homeowners, particularly mothers, receiving the keys during Mother’s Day weekend added an emotional layer to the milestone, symbolizing stability, security, and a new beginning for their families.

“After relocating to Florida in 2017 as a single mother searching for better opportunities for my children, homeownership often felt out of reach,” said Izona-Maria Cotton, new homeowner. “Through Habitat Broward, I not only gained a home, but also valuable education in budgeting, credit and homeownership that will help create long-term stability for my family. Completing sweat equity alongside my mother, children, sister and friends made this journey even more meaningful because we weren’t just building a house, we were building a stronger future together. This home gives my children and nephew a safe, stable place to grow, dream bigger and create lasting memories.”

The milestone event marked the culmination of a transformative public-private partnership addressing Broward County’s affordable housing crisis through collaboration among corporate, government and NonProfit partners.

National Sales Agency, Burdette Beckmann Inc. (BBI) has invested millions into affordable homeownership initiatives, including $2.4 Million toward the development of BBI Village in Fort Lauderdale’s Middle River neighborhood.

The project also received a $540,000 state appropriation approved by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, along with additional support from the City of Fort Lauderdale, Broward County and the Florida Department of Commerce. Funding was sponsored by Representative Chip LaMarca and Senator Rosalind Osgood.

Located in one of the nation’s most cost-burdened housing markets, where nearly 94 percent of residents are priced out of homeownership, BBI Village now serves 20 families, approximately 96 residents, providing a critical pathway to stability and long-term financial security.

The community features energy-efficient, two-story townhomes with modern amenities and convenient access to schools, transportation and major employment centers.

During the ceremony, families received the keys to their new homes, marking a life-changing milestone made possible through Habitat Broward’s program, which combines affordable mortgage financing, financial education, and required sweat equity hours.

“BBI Village is a true testament to what can be achieved through a joint venture between public, private and nonprofit partners,” said Nancy Robin, CEO and Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Broward. “As we celebrate the completion of this community on Mother’s Day weekend, this moment is especially meaningful for many of the families at the heart of this mission. The beauty of this milestone is that these families each completed 300 hours of sweat equity in lieu of a traditional down payment and, in return, earned an affordable mortgage that we know will be life changing. This tremendous achievement was made possible through the dedication of our new homeowners, faithful volunteers, elected officials and our longtime corporate sponsor, BBI, who’s generous $2.4 Million investment helped bring this vision to life.”

“BBI is honored to stand alongside Habitat Broward and our partners in bringing BBI Village to completion,” said Robert Taylor, Jr., CEO of Burdette Beckmann, Inc. “Seeing these families receive the keys to their homes on Mother’s Day weekend is a powerful reminder of what intentional investment and true collaboration can achieve. This community reflects our shared commitment to expanding access to homeownership and creating lasting impact for families across Broward County.”

Additionally, Sharena Ali, CEO of Cinch Home Services, made a surprise announcement that the company would provide the 20 families with three years of free home warranty coverage. Many sponsors also donated in-kind contributions, including toolkits from Junior League, home goods baskets from Bridge Church and mini planters from BBI, helping families celebrate and settle into their new homes.

Dignitaries in attendance included Senator Rosalind Osgood, Representative Chip LaMarca, Broward County Vice Mayor Robert McKinzie, Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Pamela Beasley-Pittman, Sharena Ali, CEO of Cinch Home Services, and Robert Taylor, Jr., CEO of Burdette Beckmann, Inc.

About Habitat for of Broward

Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity of Broward brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Habitat Broward offers a “hand up” not a “hand out” to families who are unable to qualify for conventional home financing but are willing to work hard to improve their family’s lives and achieve the economic empowerment of homeownership. For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Broward, please call: (954) 945-8031. Or visit: www.habitatbroward.org. Or check us out on: Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.