At Manatee County Habitat for Humanity, partnerships are at the heart of every home we build and every community we strengthen. One of the most impactful of those partnerships is with Gamma Xi Boulé, a member boulé of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, the nation’s oldest Black Greek-letter organization.
As Gamma Xi Boulé celebrates its 30th anniversary serving the Manatee and Sarasota region, its leaders and members have made a powerful commitment to advancing economic opportunity and strengthening historically underserved communities, beginning with access to affordable homeownership.
The partnership formed in early 2024 when Kaveecia Moore, our Director of Homeowner Services, invited Gamma Xi Boulé President, Vin Foderingham, to join our Advancing Black Homeownership (ABH) Task Force. The mission resonated instantly.
“It aligned with my beliefs about supporting the Black community in achieving homeownership. I knew this was a meaningful way to advocate and make a real impact,” said Vin.
Not only did ABH reflect Vin’s personal values, but it also aligned perfectly with the organization’s four-year strategic plan focused on economic and health disparities, community advocacy, and tangible service.
Founded in March 1995, Gamma Xi Boulé set out to commemorate its 30th anniversary year with acts of service, leadership and philanthropy. After Vin introduced the ABH initiative to their membership, the response was enthusiastic and immediate, and big things followed.
Thanks to their leadership and connections, a series of major partnership milestones took shape:
Volunteer Engagement
- Two build days at Habitat sites, including participating in our ABH Wall Raising Day
- 15–18 members volunteering during their Day of Service
- One member continuing on as a regular Habitat volunteer
In March 2025, a dozen volunteers from Gamma Xi Boule joined us on-site to support our home recycle project.
Transformational Funding
Former Lowe’s executive and Gamma Xi member Don Frieson collaborated with Habitat on significant grant applications through Lowe’s Hometowns:
- $90,000 for Manatee Habitat’s Storm Safe Home Renewal Program
- $25,000 toward the 2025 ABH Build
- Total Impact: $115,000 in funding secured through Lowe’s
Additional Support
- Purchase of a table at our annual gala to support fundraising efforts
- Generous in-kind gifts from members, including the donation of a vehicle through our Cars for Homes Program
“We asked ourselves: How can we leverage our professional expertise and connections to support homeownership? The partnership with Habitat became proof of that mission in action.”
— Vin Foderingham, Gamma Xi Boulé President
Why This Partnership Matters
While many of the families Habitat serves are Black homeowners, representation among volunteers and donor groups has historically been lower. For Gamma Xi Boulé, showing up was about changing that narrative.
Homeownership continues to be one of the most reliable pathways for closing the racial wealth gap, and the ABH initiative exists to break down barriers that still stand in the way.
Gamma Xi Boulé’s commitment ensures progress is driven not only by funding and construction, but by increased visibility, advocacy, and representation.
As we launch our 2026 ABH campaign, our goals are doubling, including the construction of two ABH homes next year. Gamma Xi Boulé is excited to continue uplifting the mission through their involvement in fundraising and grant support, ongoing volunteer participation, and continued advocacy within the community.
For Vin, the partnership has been both personal and meaningful: “One of the keys to financial independence for Black families is homeownership. If we can be even a small part of breaking down those barriers, that means everything.”
We couldn’t agree more.
Thank You, Gamma Xi Boulé
To the leaders and members of Gamma Xi Boulé: thank you for your unwavering commitment, generosity, and belief in the power of homeownership.
Together, we are not just building houses — we are building equity, opportunity, and generational stability.
Join Us in 2026
Our next Advancing Black Homeownership build is underway — and we’re doubling our goals by constructing two ABH homes next year. You can be part of the impact.
Whether through volunteering, donating, or helping spread the word, your support makes more homes possible. Learn more at: manateehabitat.org/abh
Complete the ABH Interest Form HERE to get involved, and we’ll be in touch with next steps.