Habitat for Humanity Celebrates Home Dedication

L-R: Stephen Johnson, the homeowner, Kristina Smallwood and Jeff Kolhagen

(Press Release) Lantana, FL — (February 19, 2026) — Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County celebrated a meaningful milestone in affordable homeownership with a home dedication ceremony honoring a devoted single father, and his 10-year-old daughter. The event marked the culmination of years of hard work, partnership, and community support—and included a heartfelt surprise for the family.

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The celebration brought together volunteers, supporters, and partners to recognize the power of affordable housing and the collective effort that made this home possible. The home was sponsored by Publix Super Markets Charities, whose longstanding commitment to strengthening neighborhoods and supporting families helped transform the father’s dream of homeownership into reality. Publix representatives joined the ceremony to welcome the family and affirm the company’s dedication to building brighter futures, presenting a $300,000 check to Habitat for Humanity from Publix Charities that will help expand affordable homeownership opportunities for local families in Palm Beach County during 2026.

“We believe every family deserves a safe, stable place to call home. We are honored to support Habitat for Humanity and proud to continue helping them in their mission to help expand access to affordable homeownership for families in our communities,” said John Doran, Executive Director of Publix Super

Markets Charities.

During the dedication ceremony, iTHINK Financial employees revealed a completely move-in-ready home, thoughtfully outfitted with furniture, bedding, décor, kitchenware, and everyday essentials. Every detail reflected the family’s personalities and interests—from sports-themed touches celebrating the father’s love of the Miami Dolphins and University of Miami Hurricanes to a cheerful bedroom designed in blue and pink with Lilo & Stitch accents for his daughter. “This project truly captures the heart of our Building Up initiative,” said Stephen Johnson, AVP of Administration and Marketing at iTHINK Financial. “Seeing a family walk into a home that’s been prepared just for them is incredibly powerful. It’s about helping families feel supported, welcomed, and ready for a new beginning.”

The father, a South Florida native, was inspired to pursue homeownership by his mother, the first homeowner in their family. Working full-time, he partnered with Habitat for Humanity by completing homeowner education courses and investing hundreds of hours working alongside volunteers, learning new skills in preparation to purchase his first home from Habitat with a 30-year, interest-free, affordable mortgage. With this achievement, he proudly becomes the family's second homeowner, creating a stable foundation for his daughter’s future. 

“This home represents stability, dignity, and opportunity,” said Jennifer Thomason, President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County. “Today shows what’s possible when determination meets a supportive community.”

The home was made possible through the generous support of community partners, including Publix Super Markets Charities as the Home Sponsor; iTHINK Financial as Home Partner; Palm Beach County as Land Donor and Home Partner; Carrier as HVAC Sponsor; Comcast as Technology Sponsor; Moraca Builders, Inc. as Drywall Sponsor; and Fitzhugh Holdings as Artwork Sponsor. Together, these partners played a meaningful role in bringing the Baldwin family’s home to life and advancing Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County’s mission of affordable homeownership.