For 34 years, Habitat for Humanity of St. Johns County has helped local families achieve the dream of affordable homeownership in a housing market where that opportunity can often feel out of reach.
Since 1992, Habitat St. Johns has worked alongside volunteers, donors and future homeowners to create affordable housing opportunities throughout St. Johns County. Over the years, the nonprofit has built 185 homes, served 553 people and helped create lasting stability for families across the community. As the organization celebrates its 34th anniversary, it is also recognizing a milestone that speaks to the long-term impact of its mission, nearly 80% of Habitat St. Johns homeowners are still living in their homes.
“We are incredibly proud to see so many Habitat families turn these houses into lasting homes,” said Malinda Everson, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of St. Johns County. “Our workforce is the backbone of this community, yet homeownership is becoming increasingly out of reach for many hardworking individuals and families.”
That challenge continues to grow across St. Johns County, where rising home prices have made affordable housing difficult to find for many teachers, healthcare workers, hospitality employees and other essential members of the local workforce. Habitat St. Johns has focused heavily on workforce housing during the last decade to help address the need. In Volusia Woods, the organization’s newest neighborhood, homes range from approximately $248,000 to $278,000, offering attainable homeownership opportunities for qualifying families.
For many homeowners, the impact goes far beyond a mortgage payment.
Shavon knows that firsthand. She purchased her Habitat home in 2008 while raising three children as a single mother and working as a bus attendant for the St. Johns County School District. Recently, she celebrated paying off her home after years of hard work and perseverance.
“I really enjoyed the Habitat program, it’s great,” Shavon said. “I helped build my home from the ground to the roof. And now I own the property, my house belongs to me.”
She said having a stable and affordable home allowed her family to focus on building a future instead of worrying about rising rent or financial uncertainty. Today, her daughters have careers as a teacher and a nurse, and her son is preparing to begin his own career with a commercial driver’s license.
“The Habitat program made life more affordable for my family and me,” she said. “I raised my kids in this house, and now they’re starting their own lives. Habitat helps families succeed in life.”
As Habitat for Humanity of St. Johns County celebrates more than three decades of service, the organization remains focused on creating affordable housing opportunities and helping local families settle down in the community they call home.
Stories like Shavon’s highlight the life-changing impact affordable homeownership can have on local families. Through Habitat’s homeownership program, qualifying applicants who meet income guidelines, demonstrate a need for affordable housing and commit to partnering with the organization can achieve a goal that may otherwise feel out of reach. By combining affordable housing opportunities with community involvement, Habitat continues to help families build stability and create a stronger future in St. Johns County.
Many working families may qualify for a Habitat home. To learn more about income requirements, homeownership qualifications and upcoming opportunities, visit habitatstjohns.org.
