They’re back and they brought additional reinforcement. Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville, Inc. (HabiJax) and the Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA) are joining forces once again to tackle the largest Home Builders Blitz in the United States by building 25 homes in just six days. As if that’s not remarkable in itself, they have partnered with Builders Care, NEFBA’s charitable arm, to renovate an additional 25 homes during the weeklong event scheduled June 9-14 in New Town.

“We are excited to partner with NEFBA and Builders Care and to have the opportunity to serve an additional 25 families this year,” said HabiJax President and CEO Mary Kay O’Rourke.

HabiJax, NEFBA and Builders Care invite the community to attend a special kickoff event in New Town on Monday, June 9. The event will begin at 10:30 a.m. at 1591 West Beaver Street. Special guests include Larry Gluth, Sr. Vice President of US and Canada, Habitat for Humanity; Rick Judson, outgoing president, National Association of Homebuilders; and television personality Steve Thomas, former host of This Old House. The event also provides the opportunity to give back and make a difference in the life of fellow Jacksonville residents.

“The Home Builders Blitz is a great way for the community to get involved and help make a difference in the lives of these families,” said NEFBA Executive Director Corey Deal.

More than 16 builders and builder member groups have committed to donating time and services to the weeklong event. Builders include A Crown Roofing, BeeTree Homes, Bourré Construction Group, Clay Builders Council, Construction Services of North Florida, Corner Lot, Generation Homes, ICI Homes, KB Homes, Layfield & Sircy Inc., Landon Homes, LandSouth Construction, Morales Construction, NEFBA Sales and Marketing Council, New Leaf Construction, Noble Construction, Pendleton Construction, Providence Homes, Richmond American Homes, Rotary Club of South Jacksonville, St. John Builders Council, Toll Brothers and UNF Construction Management.

HabiJax, NEFBA and Builders Care are still in need of hundreds of volunteers to assist with this year’s event.

“We need volunteers to help in a variety of ways, both on the construction site and in non-construction capacities. I encourage everyone interested to participate and be a part of this wonderful event,” said Builders Care Executive Director Matt Wilford.

For more information and how to volunteer, visit www.habijax.org/hbb2014. In-kind donations and sponsorships are also needed. To make a donation of any kind, visit www.habijax.org/hbb2014.

The Home Builders Blitz helps support the New Town Success Zone, which is a partnership of public and private organizations that are developing a continuum of services to help children and their families living in the New Town neighborhood achieve the goals of healthy development, academic success and well-being of the neighborhood’s children.