Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative

NRI Projects

Pastor Anthony and Gloria Tory

Anthony Tory was pastor of Community Missionary Baptist Church until illness forced him to step down.  Pastor Tory and his wife, Gloria, have taken care of granddaughters  Tekoya and Teleria Tory ever since their father's death at age 32 in 1999. Pastor Tory is now confined to a walker and a wheelchair, and the repairs needed on their home had become a challenge the couple could not meet alone.

With help from First Baptist Church of Vero Beach, the Tory's found they qualified for Indian River Habitat for Humanity's Neighborthood Revitalization Initiative.

This summer, a crew from Habitat has widened the doorways in the Tory home to allow wheelchair access. They are also building an outside wheelchair access ramp.

Dallas Yates

In the late 1970's, Dallas Yates became the first black deputy sheriff  in Indian River County. The popular law enforcement officer is now retired and living in Gifford.

In July, a fire severely damaged his kitchen and surrounding areas and has forced him to move out of his home until repairs can be made.

With the help of neighbors Freddie Woolfork, Administrator of Development and Marketing at the Gifford Youth Activities Center, and Sheriff's Deputy Teddy Floyd, (both of whom are very active in the community and  have served on the board of directors of Habitat for Humanity) Mr. Yates was put in touch with Indian River Habitat.

The extensive clean-up and repair work is being done through the Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative. Clean-up was accomplished by a group from St. Peter's Missionary Baptist Church in Gifford - Brew With the Brothers - men who meet together for coffee before church and who strive to "Pay it forward" through various community projects. The repair work will be done by a construction team from Habitat.