Local Veteran Achieves Homeownership with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County

Mimi May Lake Worth Beach City Commissioner, Ryan Mason, and Sarah Malega Lake Worth Beach City CommissionerCAPEHART

Stephanie Glavin (Bank of America), Ryan Mason, Frank LaCosta (Bank of America)CAPEHART

Ryan Mason, Jennifer Thomason with Baptist Health TeamCAPEHART

David Tripp of Vertical Bridge, Ryan Mason, Jennifer ThomasonCAPEHART

Jonathan Oakley, Mission UNITEDCAPEHART

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County hosted a special home dedication ceremony to present Ryan Mason, a local reserve veteran, keys to his new home.

Family, friends, volunteers, and supporters of the nonprofit organization gathered at the Lake Worth Beach home to celebrate this exciting event.

Ryan Mason, a proud veteran and full-time security professional, faced the challenges of rising rent costs, which forced him to move away from family and sell his car to maintain housing.

After completing Habitat’s program, Ryan has achieved his dream of homeownership, purchasing his first home with an affordable, 30-year interest-free mortgage.

Now, as he settles into his new Habitat home, Ryan looks forward to becoming an active member of his community and adopting a dog.

Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “I truly believe Habitat is making a difference.”

Mason’s home was built in partnership with more than 100 volunteers during Veterans Build 2023, presented by Vertical Bridge and home partners Baptist Health (Home Sponsor), Lake Worth Beach CRA and City of Lake Worth Beach (Land Donors), Bank of America and Mission United (Program Sponsors), and The Rotary Club of Palm Beach/Flagler (Home Funder).

Baptist Health, the home sponsor, played a vital role in making Ryan’s homeownership dreams come true.

In addition to helping fund the construction of the house, Baptist Health employees volunteered their time on the job site and attended the dedication ceremony to present Ryan with the keys to his new home.

“Baptist Health South Florida is proud to play a role in transforming lives through our work with Habitat for Humanity”, said Lincoln Mendez, North Region Executive, Baptist Health, and Chief Executive Officer for Boca Raton Regional Hospital, part of Baptist Health.

“By helping fund the construction of homes and offering volunteers who dedicate their time and energy, we’re not only providing a roof over families, but also helping build a foundation for their future,” added Jared Smith, Chief Executive Officer for Bethesda Hospital, also part of Baptist Health.

Habitat for Humanity’s Veterans Build is a program and an annual fundraiser that supports stable and affordable housing for veterans and active service members in Palm Beach County.

Through this initiative, Habitat is dedicated to serving the veteran community by helping them achieve first-time homeownership and providing essential repairs to ensure their homes remain safe and weather resilient.