As the popular saying goes, “Home is where the heart is.” Publix and Publix Super Markets Charities will share the love and build homes for 40 families, thanks to an enhanced relationship with Habitat for Humanity affliliates.

On Sept. 29 — Mr. George’s birthday — Publix Super Markets Charities announced the donation of $4 million to more than 80 Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the Southeast. This year’s donation will provide funding to build 40 new houses in 2016, as well as increase support to more than 60 affiliates whom the foundation currently funds. But that’s not all. To help the families truly make each new house a home, they will be greeted with a fully stocked pantry courtesy of Publix. And, as part of the Publix Serves initiative, our associates will have the opportunity to help build the houses.

“Publix has a culture of caring, and this relationship is an example of our commitment to give back and serve the people in our communities,” President Todd Jones said.

“I’m proud to see my father’s legacy living on in Publix associates and our communities,” said President of Publix Super Markets Charities Carol Jenkins Barnett. “It’s not just the funds Publix Charities is providing — it’s the time, talent and effort of Publix associates that will help build brighter futures for these families.”

Habitat for Humanity envisions a world where everyone has a decent place to live. The organization brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. Since Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1976, the organization and its affiliates have helped more than 1 million families — representing 5 million people — break the cycle of poverty and build long-term financial security.

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At the press conference to announce the enhanced relationship with Habitat for Humanity affiliates, President Todd Jones said, “Publix has a culture of caring, and this relationship is an example of our commitment to give back and serve the people in our communities.”

President of Publix Super Markets Charities Carol Jenkins Barnett shared how proud she is to see her father’s legacy living on in Publix associates and our communities. “It’s not just the funds Publix Charities is providing — it’s the time, talent and effort of Publix associates that will help build brighter futures for these families,” she said.

Mesha Phillips, a single mother of five, spoke about the honor of receiving a Habitat for Humanity home sponsored by Publix Super Markets Charities and Publix and the opportunities being a homeowner will create for her and her family.

Lakeland, Florida, bakery associates provided 40 cakes shaped like houses, each representing a Habitat for Humanity affiliate that will benefit from Publix Super Markets Charities’ donation. Associates who made the cakes included Decorators Katy Lancaster, #352; Debbie Boyce, #356; Jennifer Gipson #392; and Mary Forgey, #1410; and Assistant Bakery Manager Liz Oliver, #1270.