News, Press Release
May 8, 2024

Habitat partners with Veteran Family for special home build

Habitat Partners With Veteran Family for Special Home Build

Habitat’s 4th Veterans Build Home took place in Clearwater.

Clearwater, FL – Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties has once again teamed up with a local Veteran Family for a special home build. This is the 4th Veterans Home Build for Habitat. The Rimpson Family is the home partner for this Veterans Home Build. Richard Rimpson is an Army veteran and will live in the home with his wife, Troi and their son, Xzavyr (21). The family has worked to put in at least 450 sweat equity hours and complete Habitat’s homebuyer education program, which consists of 36 classes. The Rimpson Family will celebrate their journey to homeownership at their dedication celebration on Saturday, May 18th at 9:00 AM at 1156 LaSalle St., Clearwater, FL, 33755. May 18th is also National Armed Forces Day.

Veterans Build Sponsors

Habitat is proud to have the support of community partners, particularly  4-Star Veterans Build Sponsors, General Dynamics and Guardian Trust – a commitment that included $25,000 and volunteer days on the home build for staff members.

“At General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, we recognize the invaluable contributions made to our country by our Veterans,” said Berkley Whaley, VP of Marketing & Communications at General Dynamics. We are honored to be a 4-star sponsor for the Habitat for Humanity Veteran build, an initiative that not only provides a much-needed residence for the family, but also symbolizes the community’s gratitude and support for their service and sacrifices. We wish all the best to the Rimpson family.

The land was donated by Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicking legend Martín Gramática and his organization, the Gramatica Family Foundation. Gramática was on hand to surprise the Rimpson Family with acceptance into the Habitat Homeownership program on August 22, 2023.

“The Gramatica Family Foundation is proud of our ongoing partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties,” said Martin Gramática. “We are so happy to be able to donate the land where the Rimpson family will not just build their home but also their lives for years to come.”

“We are grateful for the continued support of the Gramatica Foundation and their efforts to help veterans throughout the Tampa Bay region,” said Habitat president and CEO Mike Sutton. “We are proud to partner with General Dynamics and Guardian Trust as 4-Star sponsors on our 4th Veterans Build Home. We are grateful to the entire community for rallying behind The Rimpson Family on their journey to affordable homeownership.”