Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties is expanding
By Devonta Davis
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Apr 22, 2024

Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties will soon expand its service area into Hernando County.

Since 1985, Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties has partnered with low- to moderate-income families to provide help toward affordable homeownership. Over the past five years, the organization has been recognized as one of the top three producing affiliates based on its new home construction completions out of the affiliate network of 1,100.

“We are grateful for the trust that Habitat for Humanity International has put in our affiliate to expand into Hernando County and provide affordable homeownership opportunities to families and individuals in that area,” said Habitat president and CEO Mike Sutton. “Our team is ready to provide affordable homeownership resources to Hernando County residents and establish strong community partnerships throughout the county.”

The affiliate will release a new name and brand in the coming weeks.

The Pinellas County-based organization will introduce affordable homeownership resources to fill the gap in service that the Hernando community is currently experiencing, with no active Habitat for Humanity presently available.

The county has formed an affordable housing committee that administers state- and federal-funded housing programs for home repairs and improvements, provides subsidies through the local housing authority to first-time homebuyers for down payment assistance, and coordinates grant awards.

Programs administered include the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, State Housing Initiative Partnership program and Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant when awarded.

According to Zillow data, the median home value in Hernando County is $317,421, with 14% of sales over that price.

Habitat for Humanity builds and sells homes at 0% interest to households not qualifying for a traditional mortgage. The program teaches homeowner partners through an education curriculum of 36 classes, from budgeting to home maintenance.

The organization is also known for its impact on the local workforce.

“Habitat’s economic impact in our community cannot be understated. For every dollar Habitat invests, $1.78 is injected into the economy. We help support 300 jobs annually, many of which are in the construction industry. Every new home that goes into the ground directly correlates to a positive impact on the local economy and workforce. We are excited to bring this type of impact to Hernando County," said Sutton.

Homeowners purchase their homes from Habitat and earn a 0% interest mortgage, never paying more than 30% of their household income for housing expenses. This keeps monthly payments affordable and means that each homeowner builds equity in their home from their first payment. This allows homeowners to save for the future while having the stability of an affordable monthly payment.

Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties is currently under contract for 5 acres, providing affordable homeownership opportunities to 24 families in Spring Hill. Plans for the development of 24 single-family homes will be released soon.