Kudos To Breylinger For Habitat Work

Highlands County Habitat for Humanity's loss is certainly a big gain for the DeSoto-Arcadia Habitat for Humanity.

Jane Breylinger, a true believer in the monumental mission of eliminating substandard housing, is leaving her job as executive director of Highlands Habitat to take a similar job in DeSoto County.

We hate to see her go, which is likely the sentiment others who are involved in Habitat have. Breylinger has done an an exceptional job and is apparently leaving Highlands Habitat in great shape.

Since Breylinger's volunteer days about 20 years ago, 117 Habitat homes have been built in Highlands. There are nine currently under construction.

The Highlands affiliate is now building 20 homes a year and giving people who might not otherwise be able to do so an opportunity to own a home. Homeowners are required to perform several hundred hours of sweat equity on a crew composed of both professionals and volunteers.

What started as an all-volunteer office has grown to a robust organization with 22 paid workers and a bunch of volunteers.

On the other hand, the DeSoto County affiliate was wiped out by the hurricanes in 2004, including the office and thrift shop. There is no staff other than volunteers.

It looks as if Breylinger is starting all over again. But it seems she enjoys the challenge of building something from the ground floor.

We wish Breylinger good luck and hope that her replacement will keep the organization with a noble cause moving forward.