Just one week out from Giving Tuesday on December 2nd, we are excited to share an inspiring update that will help launch our 2026 Faith Build in a powerful way. Thanks to a heartfelt and deeply meaningful contribution, we now have $12,500 in matching funds from Faith United Church of Christ and United Presbyterian Church to amplify your generosity.
This means every gift made on Giving Tuesday, and toward our Faith Build campaign, will be matched dollar for dollar, doubling the impact on the lives of families right here in Manatee County.
This matching challenge brings us one step closer to our Giving Tuesday goal of raising $25,000 to support the construction of the 2026 Faith Build home for Karlee and her daughter, Kaylea. Their home will also be the very first built in our newest 27-home community, Kings Cross Place, marking an exciting new chapter in our ongoing mission to build safe, affordable homes for local families.
Judith Cramer, a member of Faith United Church of Christ, delivered the $10,000 check to Manatee Habitat’s President and CEO, Bernie Quinn.
These generous matching gifts come from two longtime supporters of Manatee County Habitat for Humanity: Faith United Church of Christ, contributing $10,000, and United Presbyterian Church, contributing $2,500. After prayerful reflection and heartfelt deliberation, Faith United Church of Christ made the difficult decision to close its doors. As part of their final act of service, they selected five nonprofits to bless as they concluded their ministry, and we are deeply honored to be among those chosen.
Judith Cramer, a member of Faith United Church of Christ, delivered the $10,000 check to us as in continuation of their legacy of faith and kindness that will help build a future filled with hope for a local family. This gift is a beautiful example of what Giving Tuesday represents: generosity that lives beyond a moment and changes lives for years to come.
Each year, Manatee Habitat partners with local churches and faith-based organizations to build a home through our Faith Build program. This year’s Faith Build homeowner, Karlee, has a remarkable story of redemption, resilience, and renewed purpose. Through years of dedication and healing, she rebuilt her life, regained custody of her daughter, pursued her education, and now works to support and inspire others facing the same challenges she once overcame.
For Karlee and Kaylea, homeownership represents stability and redemption. And with the help of our community and the generosity of partners like Faith United Church of Christ and United Presbyterian Church, we are one step closer to making that promise a reality.
Your Gift Will Go Twice As Far
With $12,500 in matching funds, your Giving Tuesday donation will have double the impact:
- $50 becomes $100
- $100 becomes $200
- $500 becomes $1,000
- And every dollar helps fund the walls, materials, and support needed to build Karlee’s future home.
As we stand just one week away from Giving Tuesday, we invite you to join us in putting faith into action. Together, we can build more than a home; we can build a legacy of hope.
Learn more or make an early gift: manateehabitat.org/faithbuild