Habitat for Humanity breaks ground on 12 homes in Lealman
By Breanne Williams
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Oct 6, 2023

Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties is breaking ground on a 12-home project in Lealman on Oct. 6.

The project, called The Greenway, will build 12 single-family homes at 4312 46th Ave. N.

Habitat for Humanity was selected by Pinellas County to develop the site. Lealman has long been a significant point of focus for Habitat. In 2023 alone, the organization completed 15 homes in Lealman.

Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties’ 800th home was built in Lealman and was dedicated earlier this year on March 24. Lealman was also the site of the organization’s second annual CEO Build, where 55 CEOs — local and national leaders — came together to build a home. The project raised over $165,000, and a family moved into the house in April.

Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties has been working in the region since 1985. The homes built by the organization are sold at no profit and are financed with a zero-interest loan. All the candidates for the Habitat homes must earn between 30% and 80% of the area median income.

The candidates must also participate in a homebuyer education curriculum and are required to have 350 to 450 “sweat equity” hours with the group, building their home, working to help build a house for another family or volunteering/participating in other ways with the group.

Last month, the organization got approval to move ahead on several projects in South St. Petersburg — roughly 15 minutes from the Lealman site. St. Pete council members approved the sale of a lot at 1805 18th Ave. S to Habitat, which will build at least 10 affordable townhomes on the site. Construction on the townhomes is expected to begin by Dec. 1, 2024, and will be completed by July 1, 2026, according to the city.

Further down 18th Avenue South, the group will build Pelican Place — a 44-unit community across the street from Tangerine Plaza. Pelican Place will feature three-story townhomes for those making at or below 120% AMI.

Habitat is also taking the reins of a development at 1120 16th St. S and will build 10 affordable townhomes at the site, which will be reserved for those earning at or below 80% AMI. The two-story townhomes are expected to be priced at $279,000, according to the city. Construction will begin no later than Feb. 1, 2024.