Estero, FL (July 12, 2016) – Bonita Springs couple Carlos Estala and Maria Medina never thought they would own a home. In fact, they were sleeping on the floor of a family member’s one-bedroom duplex with their two children when they first enrolled in the Habitat for Humanity program.

However, Estala and Medina recently accepted the keys to their new three-bedroom, two-bathroom house from Miromar Development Corp., the Estero-based development company that donated $84,000 and contributed more than 950 hours of volunteer labor to help make their “American dream” a reality.

“On behalf of all of our participating families, we are incredibly grateful for the continued support that Miromar Development has given us,” said Susan Rice-Waller, director of development of Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties. “It is because of companies like Miromar that we are able to make such a positive and meaningful impact in the community.”

Estala and Medina’s home is the fifth Habitat for Humanity home that Miromar Development has sponsored since partnering with the non-profit organization five years ago. Through donations of funds, materials and labor, Habitat for Humanity is able to keep the homes affordable; qualifying families purchase the homes through zero-interest mortgages, keeping the payments at or below 30% of monthly income. Families are able to own their own home for significantly less than they were formerly paying in rent, freeing up income for other necessities and providing a safe and stable environment for children to succeed.

“Miromar Development values our relationship with Habitat for Humanity because we understand the importance of creating new opportunities for hard-working families in Southwest Florida just like Carlos and Maria,” said Tim Byal, VP of Finance of Miromar Development. “We are grateful to be a part of this experience and will continue to support this great cause.”

Estala and Medina take pride in knowing that they were instrumental in achieving home ownership. To qualify for their home, they had to volunteer 300 sweat equity hours, pay $1,700 in closing costs and attend homeowner education classes. They will also continue to make zero interest payments on their home loan as part of their partnership agreement.

“Carlos and Maria came to us with great needs,” said Habitat for Humanity homeownership advisor Raisa Porro. “This family has worked incredibly hard to be where they are today, but most importantly they have remained humble. I am full of joy and happiness that with the help of Miromar Development, they were able to realize their dream.”