Habitat for Humanity of Marion County hosted two house blessing ceremonies for different families on Friday.

Ruby Hernandez and Kyndall Ritzie were both given the keys to their new homes in Ocala on Friday, April 17. The homes are located along SW 21st Circle and SW 157th Loop.

Representatives from Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, local business owners, and other volunteers gathered in two separate ceremonies at 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on Friday to commemorate the occasion.

Ruby Hernandez middle is given the keys to her new home in Ocala
Ruby Hernandez (middle) was also given the keys to her new home in Ocala on Friday, April 17.

During each ceremony, prayers were said over the new structures, and the homeowners and their families were given additional house-warming gifts.

“After completing their sweat equity hours and working alongside volunteers and staff, [these women] now step into a future rooted in stability, safety, and hope,” reads a statement from Habitat for Humanity of Marion County.

Founded in 1990, Habitat for Humanity of Marion County has built or rehabbed hundreds of local homes to create affordable housing for low-income families since its inception.

Last July, Vanessa Mingo earned the keys to her new home after spending over 400 hours volunteering with the organization.

Last March, Jacquelyn Goodman and her daughter, Danielle Roberts, received the keys to a new home that they earned through the program.

For more information on homeownership through the program, visit the Habitat for Humanity of Marion County online.