OCALA, FL (352today.com) – It was about putting God’s love into action, at the Habitat for Humanity of Marion County‘s Women’s Build 2025 and Realtor Raising the Wall Build 2025, Sept. 10, 2025, for two families who will have new homes in West Ocala.
Ocala City Council President-Pro Tempore Ire Bethea Sr. provided an inspirational blessing prior to the teams getting to work on raising the walls and building homes that will make a marked difference in the lives of the families who will now be able to enjoy a better quality of life.
“It’s amazing to see the community come together,” said Ben Marciano. City of Ocala mayor. “It makes me so proud to be a part of this. What we are witnessing today is more than a wall raising. It’s a powerful reminder of what happens when people come together for a purpose.”
The mayor went onto add that housing is at the heart of so many challenges within the community.
“When a family has a safe, affordable home, it’s a shelter, it’s something that their children have a stable place to learn, and many people in our community struggle with housing,” said Marciano. “That is at the Heart of Habitat for Humanity. The mission here in Ocala is not just about building houses, it’s about building security, dignity and hope, one family at a time.”
The walls and homes will hold the laughter, memories and celebration of the Mann and Jones families’ lives, said Marciano.
“Your strength and determination inspire us today and we stand with you as a community,” said Marciano, who thanked the Pink Hat Society, for their dedication and sponsorship of both the Women Build and the Realtor Build Wall Raising 2025, acknowledging that their investment is building more than homes, it’s building the future of Ocala.
“Thank you to every volunteer who’s here today, this is what our community is about,” said Marciano. “When people ask me what I’m most proud about in Ocala, it’s you, you guys have the heart to serve. I truly do believe that we can be an example for this country of how we come together regardless of our differences and backgrounds to serve one another.”
The work that the Mann and Jones families have put into the other Habitat for Humanity of Marion County homes, they’re consistent presences at the worksites and restores, shows their commitment to working toward having a home of their own, said Tori Arens, Habitat for Humanity of Marion County executive assistant.
“Brittany (Mann) started in October of last year, 2024, she has put in over 250 sweat equity hours so far, but please know that these families go through training as well,” said Arens. “Their training consists of financial literacy, anything to do with their homes, the upkeep of their homes, so they’re working very hard to know how to maintain their homes and build their homes. Brittany has three children from ages 13 down to eight. She lives in a two-bedroom apartment, all three children are sharing a room…this is going to be a huge blessing for Brittany and her family.”
The Curtis’ started in July, and have been extremely proactive, and are doing anything and everything they can, understanding what the outcome will be, said Arens. The Jones’ home was being built as part of the Realtor Raising the Wall Build 2025.
“They have 11 grandchildren and one baby on the way, so they’re looking forward to all of the friends and family they’ll be able to host at this beautiful home,” said Arens.