Habitat For Humanity

OUC Donates $60,000 In Energy-Efficient Features To Habitat Orlando’s Landmark Townhome Project

Long a supporter of Habitat for Humanity Orlando, OUC saw Habitat’s first townhome project–Staghorn Villas–as an opportunity to provide local families with affordable homes that could also help them keep their utility costs in check.

OUC donated $60,000 in energy-efficient features for Staghorn Villas, an $8 million townhome community that will provide affordable housing for 58 local families when it is complete in spring 2011. OUC also provided more than 870compact florescent light bulbs and upgraded all lighting systems throughout the community. Siemens also partnered on the project, matching OUC’s $60,000 donation.

"OUC employees have always supported Habitat Orlando, volunteering their time and energy to help build Habitat homes," said OUC Commissioner Dan Kirby. "For us, Staghorn Villas is an opportunity to give back to the community while also upholding our commitment to helping customers conserve energy and water and ultimately save on their utility bills."

Since breaking ground in October 2008, OUC employees logged more than 200 hours volunteering at the 3.9-acre site at Silver Star Road and LeHavre Boulevard, digging, painting, installing flooring, drywall and walls, and helping with general cleanup.

"Thanks to these innovative contributions from OUC and Siemens, the townhomes at Staghorn Villas will be some of the most energy-efficient homes that we have ever built," said Dee Danmeyer, executive director of Habitat Orlando. "We are appreciative of all our donors and partners who are helping to ensure that Orlando families have a comfortable place to call home."