Cornerstone Housing^® Forum

Aligning Vision, Measurement, and Action

April 14, 2026 | Citrus Club, Orlando

Watch the recording of the event

Event Details

The inaugural Cornerstone Housing® Forum: Aligning Vision, Measurement, and Action on Tuesday, April 14, from 1:30–5:30 p.m. was presented by Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County as part of Habitat for Humanity International’s Home is the Key initiative. This energizing afternoon convened housing experts and community leaders for dynamic conversations, including insights from Senator Mel Martinez (Ret.), former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

Together, we explored how stable, affordable housing serves as the cornerstone of community progress and how we can align around measurable, systems-level solutions. The afternoon concluded with a networking reception to continue the conversation and engage with leaders from across Central Florida.

Event Location

Citrus Club, 255 S Orange Ave STE 1800, Orlando, FL 32801

Event Schedule

2:00 p.m.

Welcome & Introduction
Robert F. Stuart Jr., Chair, Board of Directors, Habitat Orlando & Osceola

Invocation
Rev. Natosha Reid Rice, VP of Global Housing Opportunities and Mission Engagement, Habitat for Humanity International

Vision into Focus: Measuring What Matters
Catherine Steck McManus, President & CEO, and Dr. Dale Brill, Chief Policy Officer, Habitat Orlando & Osceola

3:00 p.m.

Faith Panel Discussion: Impact and a Call to Action
Moderator Rev. Dr. David Swanson, Senior Pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Orlando (See details below.)

Senator Mel Martinez Lifetime Service Award Presentation
Robert F. Stuart Jr.

4:00 p.m.

A Witness to Housing Innovation in the United States
Senator Mel Martinez (Ret.), former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

Networking Reception
Please join us for conversation, drinks, and appetizers next door.

Keynote Speaker:
Senator Mel Martinez (Ret.)

Senator Mel Martinez (Ret.), former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, embodies the Central Florida experience and the American dream. Arriving from Cuba as a teenager, he was aided by an adopted family and later reunited with loved ones in Orlando. Martinez built a life of leadership and rose to the nation’s highest offices, becoming the first Cuban American cabinet secretary and U.S. senator. These achievements opened doors for others and affirmed America’s promise. Martinez is known as a pragmatic problem-solver who understands that housing, community, and opportunity are inseparable. His people-centered leadership makes him an enduring, ideal namesake for the inaugural Senator Mel Martinez Lifetime Service Award.

Faith Panel Discussion: Impact and a Call to Action

Building better connections with the faith community, an already-motivated volunteer workforce of roughly 400,000 people in Central Florida, is critical to addressing our current housing challenges. Lead by Rev. Dr. David Swanson, the panelists will share their unique perspective and broad experience in both housing and working with faith communities.

Rev. Dr. David D. Swanson, Moderator

Senior Pastor and Head of Staff of First Presbyterian Church of Orlando

Shannon Gravitte

Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, AdventHealth

Eddy Moratin

Co-Founder and President of Lift Orlando

Archbishop Allen Wiggins

Senior Pastor of The Hope Church of Orlando and Founder of Hope Center West

Shelley Lauten

Former CEO, Central Florida Commission on Homelessness

Home is the Key is Habitat for Humanity’s annual national initiative highlighting the urgent need for affordable housing and the impact we can make together. Each April, the initiative aligns with Fair Housing Month to put housing center stage through storytelling, media engagement, and hands-on activations across the country. In 2026, Habitat Orlando & Osceola will serve as one of five activation host sites nationwide, showcasing how safe, affordable housing builds strength, stability, and opportunity for families and communities through this event. Visit habitat.org/homeisthekey for more information.

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