The Community Foundation of Broward is proud to honor 12 representatives of dedicated nonprofits who have gone above and beyond during the pandemic. Our new Hidden Heroes Awards shine a light on 12 outstanding examples of bold impact by individuals who make life better in our community.
Alex Nesar is one of the real-life superheroes who are stepping up to help in Broward, just when our community needs them the most.
Alex’s heroic efforts through Habitat for Humanity of Broward help hardworking families achieve homeownership in the midst of a pandemic and economic crisis.
As Director of Construction for Habitat for Humanity, Alex helps create safe, affordable homes that enable local families to get a fresh start. When the pandemic hit, Alex had to find a way to safely finish homes that local residents were counting on – without the help of volunteers who usually aid construction.
Alex adapted quickly when Habitat suspended volunteer activity in March. He redeployed and retrained Habitat staff to work with subcontractors brought in to keep building homes. He implemented new construction site safety protocols to reduce risk of coronavirus exposure. And when volunteers returned in May, Alex capped the number of volunteer workers at 10 per home, added sanitation stations, provided free masks and took other steps to promote safety during the pandemic.
Thanks to Alex’s creativity and tenacity, nine Broward families were able to move into new Habitat homes last summer. And that pushed Habitat’s Fiscal Year 2020 construction total to 19 homes in Broward – with more on the way.
Also, Alex’s construction team helped get Habitat’s store back open by adding plexiglass barriers, relocating the checkout stand and making other safety improvements to guard against infection.
In addition, Alex has launched a critical home repair program to assist low-income homeowners in urgent need of major repairs. This push to keep struggling residents in their homes corrects unsafe living conditions and promotes independent living in our community.
“Everything was shutting down around us and Alex was gearing up and figuring out how he could get these homes (ready) for the families that were relying on us,” said Nancy Robin, CEO and Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Broward. “His creativity and his desire to deliver really inspire all of us.”
The Community Foundation’s Prize patrol surprised Alex with a cape and medal in recognition of his heroic community service. And like our other Hidden Heroes Award winners, Alex received a prize package that includes $500, restaurant gift certificates and a two-night staycation at the beautiful Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach hotel.
“I think we are all heroes in our organizations, but I am super proud to be nominated,” Alex said. “A lot of people are struggling right now, but if we can stay positive and keep that energy moving forward, we will get through this.”
Alex is just one example of the many nonprofit hidden heroes all across our community whose hard work helps shape a brighter future for Broward. Thanks to support from philanthropists with charitable Funds at the Community Foundation, these hidden heroes can continue to tackle Broward’s big challenges – during this crisis and beyond.
Click here to see a video of Alex being surprised with his Hidden Hero Award.
Click here to learn more about the Community Foundation of Broward’s Hidden Heroes Award winners.
To learn how the Community Foundation can help you fuel heroic, life-changing philanthropy in Broward, contact Vice President of Philanthropic Services Nancy Thies at nthies@cfbroward.org or 954-761-9503.
