8 South Florida Families Become Homeowners with Habitat for Humanity

Local businesses and organizations helped transform vacant land into a new neighborhood of affordable homes.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Eight families in North Lauderdale, Florida have become new homeowners thanks to a partnership between Habitat for Humanity of Broward County and local businesses. The families helped build their own homes through Habitat's sweat equity program and received interest-free mortgages. The project transformed a vacant plot of land into a neighborhood of affordable homes in just 10 months.

Why it matters

Homeownership remains out of reach for many families in South Florida due to high housing costs. This Habitat for Humanity project provided an opportunity for eight families to achieve the dream of owning their own homes, which can provide stability, peace of mind, and a foundation for building wealth.

The details

The eight families were selected through an application process and had to complete 300 hours of sweat equity by helping to build their homes alongside volunteers. They also attended educational programs and saved for a down payment. Businesses like the Rick Case Automotive Group, Seminole Hard Rock, AutoNation, and others provided sponsorship and support to make the project possible. The City of North Lauderdale donated the land and nearly $400,000 in funding.

  • The land was vacant 10 months ago.
  • The homes were completed and the families moved in recently.

The players

Habitat for Humanity of Broward County

A nonprofit organization that builds and repairs homes in partnership with low-income families in Broward County, Florida.

Nicole Goodwill

One of the new homeowners, a mother who said she would not have been able to afford a home without Habitat for Humanity's assistance.

Rita Case

The owner of the Rick Case Automotive Group, which was a major sponsor and supporter of the project.

Michael Sargis

The City Manager of North Lauderdale, which donated the land and nearly $400,000 in funding for the project.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“For me, I would not be able to get an affordable home. I would actually have to go out of state to be able to get something within reason that I would love.”

— Nicole Goodwill (WSVN)

“Just a year ago, this was just vacant land, and now today we're celebrating eight duplexes. It's going to be amazing for this community of eight families to really have their own home.”

— Rita Case, Owner, Rick Case Automotive Group (WSVN)

“This city donated the land. City donated almost $400,000 for this project.”

— Michael Sargis, City Manager, North Lauderdale (WSVN)

What’s next

The families will continue to build equity in their new homes and become part of the North Lauderdale community.

The takeaway

This Habitat for Humanity project demonstrates how public-private partnerships and community support can make homeownership a reality for families who otherwise would not be able to afford it, providing stability and opportunity in an increasingly unaffordable housing market.