GL Homes Philanthropy Under Misha Ezratti Addresses Critical Community Needs Across Florida

Misha Ezratti, president of GL Homes, has established a philanthropic model that prioritizes direct community impact over traditional corporate giving. Under Ezratti's leadership, the company addresses fundamental needs including housing security, food access, and educational support through hands-on initiatives that create measurable differences in South Florida communities.

The company's approach centers on three pillars: breaking cycles of homelessness, combating hunger, and supporting children's development. Rather than simply providing financial contributions, GL Homes develops practical programs that offer dignity and tangible support to individuals and families. This philosophy reflects Ezratti's belief that corporate philanthropy should be an essential component of community building rather than an obligation.

A cornerstone initiative is the "Make a House a Home" program, which repurposes surplus building materials, appliances, and furnishings to support low-income families. Through partnerships with organizations like Habitat for Humanity ReStore and Gulfstream Goodwill Industries, the company transforms leftover inventory into essential household items for those transitioning from homelessness to independent living. Earlier this year, GL Homes donated high-quality furnishings from a Valencia community in Boynton Beach to Gulfstream Goodwill Industries, providing clients with the resources needed to establish comfortable homes.

The company's housing support extends through the Good Night's Sleep program, which provides beds, blankets, and laundry detergent to individuals and families moving into permanent housing. These efforts address both immediate needs and long-term stability for vulnerable populations.

GL Homes has significantly expanded its role in hunger relief through collaborations with food banks and nonprofits across the region. 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 deliver thousands of meals. Ezratti personally volunteered at Feeding South Florida earlier this year to help prepare nutritious meals for homebound seniors, setting an example that company staff and interns followed by preparing hundreds of additional meals on-site.

For children's development, the Passion for Playgrounds initiative represents another key commitment. Through collaboration with groups like the Boys and Girls Clubs, GL Homes designs and builds playgrounds in neighborhoods across Florida each year. These safe, engaging spaces provide recreational opportunities while strengthening community connections.

The comprehensive nature of GL Homes' philanthropy demonstrates how corporate resources can be strategically deployed to address interconnected social challenges. By focusing on housing stability, food security, and children's wellbeing simultaneously, the company creates a multiplier effect that benefits entire communities. This approach establishes a new standard for corporate community investment in South Florida, showing how businesses can move beyond transactional giving to develop sustainable partnerships that address root causes of social issues.

These initiatives matter because they demonstrate effective models for corporate social responsibility that other businesses could emulate. As housing costs rise and food insecurity persists in many communities, GL Homes' targeted programs show how private sector resources can complement public and nonprofit efforts to create meaningful change. The company's hands-on approach ensures that resources reach those most in need while building community relationships that extend beyond individual transactions.