A Family Foundation

Laraque Family Foundation INC

Helping families find stability, dignity, and hope.

Where We Serve Tampa Bay and Central Florida
What We Build Affordable homes on foundation owned land
Our Status 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
A newly completed single family home built by the foundation
A completed single family home, built on land the foundation owns.

Our Mission

Practical Help. Steady Relationships.

The Laraque Family Foundation exists to provide families with the practical support, resources, and consistent relationships they need to regain stability and move forward with confidence.

Dherby Laraque seated in a living room with Karly Laraque standing beside her

Our Vision

Stronger Families, Stronger Neighborhoods.

We envision neighborhoods where every family has the support, resources, and opportunity to put down roots and thrive.

Land Held by the foundation and kept in the community
Homes Built to be genuinely affordable for local families
People Relationships that continue long after move in day

Inside the Work

The Homes We Build

Not showpieces. Solid, well finished homes designed to be lived in for a long time, and priced to stay within reach of a working family.

Our Story

The Laraque Story

The Laraque Family Foundation was created from a simple belief: everyone deserves the opportunity to have a safe place to call home and the knowledge needed to build a more secure future.

For many families, homeownership can feel completely out of reach. Rising housing costs, limited financial education, unexpected hardships, and a lack of access to the right resources can leave hardworking individuals and families feeling like they are doing everything they can and still falling behind.

We started this foundation because we wanted to be part of changing that.

Through years of working in real estate, we have seen firsthand how access to education, guidance, resources, and the right opportunities can completely change the trajectory of a family. We have also seen how difficult it can be to navigate that journey when you don't have those things.

The Laraque Family Foundation exists to help bridge that gap.

Our mission is to support individuals and families on their path toward affordable housing and homeownership through education, resources, mentorship, and community support.

But for us, this work is about more than helping someone purchase a home.

It's about stability. It's about creating options. It's about giving families the opportunity to build something that can last for generations.

We believe a home can be the beginning of so much more. And we're committed to helping more families get there.

Dignity

Treating every family with the respect and honor they deserve.

Consistency

Showing up when it matters and staying until the work is done.

Trust

Building relationships grounded in transparency and shared hope.

We are not just a foundation; we are neighbors who have been there.

The Laraque Family

Foundation Pillars

Dignity in Every Detail.

Steady Presence

A year-long commitment to walking alongside every family we serve.

Family Led

The family sets the goals for stability; we provide the tools to reach them.

Total Trust

Open financials and outcomes that show exactly what donors are making possible.

Our Board

The People Behind the Foundation

The foundation is led by a working board of family members and community leaders who carry the day to day responsibility for our land, our finances, and our commitments to families.

Officers

Portrait of Dherby Laraque

Dhérby Laraque

Board Chair and President

Dhérby is an entrepreneur, educator, and community leader dedicated to creating opportunities for others. As Board Chair and President, she provides leadership and vision for the Foundation. This work matters to her because she believes in strengthening families and creating lasting community impact.

Portrait of Mary Elizabeth Laraque

Mary Elizabeth Laraque

Vice Chair and Vice President

Mary Elizabeth brings a strong commitment to family, service, and community. As Vice Chair and Vice President, she supports the Foundation's leadership and initiatives. This work matters to her because she values giving back and helping build a stronger future.

Portrait of Melissa Laraque

Melissa Laraque

Secretary

Melissa brings organization, reliability, and dedication to the Foundation. As Secretary, she manages records, documentation, and Board communications. This work matters to her because she believes teamwork and organization help turn the Foundation's mission into action.

Portrait of Karly Laraque

Karly Laraque

Treasurer

Karly brings wisdom, accountability, and responsibility to the Foundation. As Treasurer, he helps oversee the Foundation's finances and ensure resources are managed responsibly. This work matters to him because he wants to create a strong legacy for future generations.

Directors

Portrait of Francisco Caballero

Francisco Caballero

Fundraising & Development Director

Francisco brings experience in relationship building and business development. As Fundraising & Development Director, he helps build partnerships and secure support for the Foundation's programs. This work matters to him because he believes strong community connections create lasting impact.

Portrait of Amber Morgan

Amber Morgan

Community Outreach & Programs Director

Amber is passionate about community service and creating meaningful opportunities for others. As Community Outreach & Programs Director, she helps develop programs that support families and communities. This work matters to her because she believes meaningful change begins with connection and service.

Portrait of Erlande Craig

Erlande Craig

At-Large Board Member

Erlande brings collaboration, insight, and dedication to the Foundation. As an At-Large Board Member, Erlande supports the Foundation's programs and strategic initiatives. This work matters because Erlande is committed to serving others and building a lasting positive legacy.

Walk Alongside a Family

Your support helps us show up, stay consistent, and walk alongside families when they need it most.

Our Mission

Families Do Not Need a Program. They Need People Who Stay.

The Laraque Family Foundation exists to provide families with the practical support, resources, and consistent relationships they need to regain stability and move forward with confidence.

Our Vision

Stronger Families and Communities

We envision neighborhoods where every family has the support, resources, and opportunity to put down roots and thrive.

We work in Tampa Bay and Central Florida, where the gap between what families earn and what housing costs has grown wider every year. Our answer is simple and long term: keep land in community hands, build homes families can actually afford, and stay in relationship with the people who live in them.

Living room of a completed foundation home

How We Work

Dignity in Every Detail.

Three commitments shape every decision we make, from the families we serve to the way we report back to our donors.

Pillar One

Steady Presence

A year-long commitment to walking alongside every family we serve. Support does not end at the closing table or the first hard month.

Pillar Two

Family Led

The family sets the goals for stability; we provide the tools to reach them. Families are the authors of their own plan, never the subject of ours.

Pillar Three

Total Trust

Open financials and outcomes that show exactly what donors are making possible. If we say it, we can show it.

Our Story

The Laraque Story

The Laraque Family Foundation was created from a simple belief: everyone deserves the opportunity to have a safe place to call home and the knowledge needed to build a more secure future.

For many families, homeownership can feel completely out of reach. Rising housing costs, limited financial education, unexpected hardships, and a lack of access to the right resources can leave hardworking individuals and families feeling like they are doing everything they can and still falling behind.

Through years of working in real estate, we have seen firsthand how access to education, guidance, resources, and the right opportunities can completely change the trajectory of a family. We have also seen how difficult it can be to navigate that journey when you don't have those things. The Laraque Family Foundation exists to help bridge that gap.

It's about stability. It's about creating options. It's about giving families the opportunity to build something that can last for generations.

We believe a home can be the beginning of so much more. And we're committed to helping more families get there.

We are not just a foundation; we are neighbors who have been there.

The Laraque Family

See the Mission at Work

Our pilot project turns land the foundation already owns into homes local families can afford.