Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties to Celebrate 800th Home Build
MEDIA CONTACT:
Morgan Brochetti, Chief External Relations Officer
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties
(727) 536-4755 ext. 203
mbrochetti@habitatpwp.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties to Celebrate 800th Home Build
The Clayton Family will be the 800th Homeowner Partner to achieve affordable homeownership
St. Petersburg, FL— Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties will celebrate a huge milestone this March – its 800th home build. The Clayton family will be the 800th family to partner with Habitat Pinellas and West Pasco Counties and will celebrate at their home dedication on Friday, March 24th in the Lealman community in St. Petersburg. Brianna will purchase her home with a zero-interest loan through the Habitat homeownership program to provide herself and her 5-year-old daughter, Paisley, with a safe and affordable forever home.
800th Home Dedication: The Clayton Family
Friday, March 24th at 10 AM
2790 53rd Avenue North, St Petersburg, FL
Habitat Pinellas and West Pasco has been a driving force and advocate for affordable homeownership opportunities in our community since 1985. Out of 1,000 Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the country, the organization is ranked number one based on new home builds. Over the last 12 months, Habitat completed more new homes than any other affiliate in the country. It celebrated its 700th home in August of 2021 with the Sakers Family in our Tellor Estates development in Pinellas Park.
With the construction of every new home, Habitat Pinellas and West Pasco creates affordable homeownership opportunities for local families and individuals with the help of community volunteers, corporate donors, civic organizations, and county officials.
As part of an ongoing effort to bring affordable homeownership opportunities to the area’s working-class neighborhoods, Habitat Pinellas and West Pasco continues to work with the Lealman Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Program and community partners to build homes the Lealman community in Pinellas County.
"We are incredibly grateful for the support of our volunteers and elected officials, who helped make this milestone possible," said Mike Sutton, CEO at Habitat for Humanity. "Affordable housing is a critical issue in our community, and we are committed to continuing our efforts to provide safe and decent homes for families in need."
"Affordable housing is the foundation of strong, thriving communities," said Mike Sutton, President and CEO of Habitat of Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties. "Our investment in affordable housing partnering with Pinellas County and the Lealman Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) provides a roof over the heads of residents and lays the groundwork for a brighter future for the entire Lealman community."
In partnership with Pinellas County, Habitat has already made a significant investment in the Lealman CRA, completing the construction of twelve homes within the last twelve months. The organization currently has over twenty properties in various stages of planning and construction and is committed to increasing its impact in the area by providing affordable housing to low-income families.
The Lealman community has been facing challenges in terms of affordable housing, with many families struggling to find a decent place to live. To address this issue, Habitat Pinellas and West Pasco is working closely with the Lealman Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Program and community partners to build homes in the area. Pinellas County is playing a crucial role in this effort by providing funding to help offset the costs associated with the meteoric rise in land prices. This funding is critical to ensuring that Habitat can provide affordable homeownership opportunities to the working-class families of Lealman and make a meaningful impact in the community. The County's support and commitment to affordable housing shows their dedication to improving the lives of residents in the area. Habitat is grateful for their partnership in this vital work.
The 800th Home is sponsored by a collection of community partners and supporters, with sponsorship opportunities at only $800. Community support swelled around this initiative - over 100 local businesses and supporters have donated at the $800 level. Milestone sponsor, Solar Bear, will be donating and installing a solar roofing system for the Clayton family. The Gramatica Family Foundation, another 800th Milestone Sponsor, is donating Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS) for the walls of the home. For more information, visit https://habitatpwp.org/800thhome/.
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County and West Pasco Counties
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties has served over 790 homeowner partners since 1985. Volunteers and the future homeowners construct the homes, which are sold at no profit and financed with a zero-interest loan. Habitat homeowner candidates earn 30 to 80 percent of area median income. Candidates must demonstrate need for adequate shelter; ability to pay back a zero-interest loan and willingness to partner with Habitat to complete a robust homebuyer education curriculum and invest 350 to 450 “sweat equity” hours. Mortgage monies are used to build even more homes, making each donation to Habitat a perpetual legacy to the community. Habitat believes that homeownership contributes to family stability, leading, in turn, to community stability. Additionally, the affiliate raises funds through their ReStores; home improvement outlets where donated household and building items are sold to the public. For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties, call (727) 536-4755 or visit www.habitatpwp.org.
#