Misha Ezratti, president of GL Homes, has established a philanthropic framework that addresses fundamental community needs across South Florida through practical, company-wide initiatives. Under Ezratti's leadership, the homebuilder's charitable work focuses on three critical areas: breaking the cycle of homelessness, combating hunger, and supporting children and education. This approach emphasizes direct involvement and tangible support rather than financial contributions alone, positioning corporate philanthropy as an integral component of community development.
The company's "Make a House a Home" initiative represents a cornerstone of its housing-focused efforts, transforming surplus building materials, appliances, and furnishings into essential support for low-income families. Through partnerships with organizations like Habitat for Humanity ReStore and Gulfstream Goodwill Industries, GL Homes converts leftover inventory into household items for individuals transitioning from homelessness to independent living. Earlier this year, the company donated high-quality furnishings from a Boynton Beach community to Gulfstream Goodwill Industries, providing clients with essential items that foster dignity and stability. The complementary Good Night's Sleep program further supports this mission by supplying beds, blankets, and laundry detergent to families moving into permanent housing.
GL Homes has significantly expanded its role in addressing food insecurity through collaborations with regional food banks and nonprofits. The company works with organizations including Feeding South Florida, The Senator Philip D. Lewis Center in West Palm Beach, and The Lord's Place Meal Mobile to help deliver thousands of meals across the region. Ezratti personally volunteered at Feeding South Florida earlier this year to prepare nutritious meals for homebound seniors, while company staff and interns subsequently prepared hundreds of meals on-site during the summer. These efforts demonstrate a hands-on commitment to alleviating hunger that extends beyond financial support.
The company's dedication to children's welfare manifests through its Passion for Playgrounds initiative, developed in collaboration with groups like the Boys and Girls Clubs. GL Homes assists in designing and building playgrounds in neighborhoods across Florida annually, creating safe, vibrant spaces that strengthen community bonds while providing recreational opportunities for children. This multifaceted philanthropic strategy reflects Ezratti's philosophy of investing in people and uplifting communities through practical support. By addressing housing, hunger, and children's needs through direct engagement, GL Homes establishes a corporate philanthropy model that prioritizes measurable community impact and sets a new standard for corporate social responsibility in South Florida.
