Affordable Housing Initiative Approved in Pinellas County

New affordable housing units set to benefit families in Pinellas County.

News Summary

The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners has approved a plan that will bring over 80 affordable homes to the area, backed by a $3 million investment. Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside will lead the projects in Lealman and Clearwater, transforming underused land into vibrant housing communities to benefit local families.

Good News for Families in Pinellas County!

In a heartwarming step toward better housing, the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners has given a big thumbs-up to a plan that will bring more than 80 affordable homes to the community! With an investment of $3 million, these two remarkable projects, spearheaded by Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside, are set to make a significant difference in the lives of many families.

A Glimpse into the Lealman Project

First up, there’s the exciting project in Lealman, where a 5.94-acre parcel of underused land is about to get a fantastic makeover. This area will soon be transformed into a vibrant residential community featuring a total of 57 new affordable housing units. The plans include 31 single-family homes and 26 townhomes, all designed to provide cozy spaces for families looking for a place to call home.

Budgeted at $10.13 million, the Lealman project sees the county stepping up with a contribution of $2.29 million. Thanks to a crucial approval from the Housing Finance Authority of Pinellas County, Habitat for Humanity is ready to acquire the land and break ground on this much-anticipated project.

Transforming Clearwater

Now let’s head over to Clearwater, where another exciting project is taking shape! Planned for a 1.35-acre lot, the new Lake Belleview neighborhood will be built in partnership with Tampa Bay Neighborhood Housing Services. This project aims to create 24 new townhomes, and it comes in with a total budget of $9.58 million. Of this amount, $1.015 million is coming directly from county funding, and as a cherry on top, the City of Clearwater generously donated the land for this endeavor.

The Bigger Picture

Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside has made quite a name for itself in the community. To date, they have constructed almost 950 homes, and they’re not stopping there! The organization plans to celebrate its 1,000th home dedication by the year 2025, a significant milestone that showcases their commitment to providing affordable housing.

Currently, Habitat for Humanity is actively working on 11 different developments across the region, with an ambitious goal of building approximately 320 new homes. Among the ongoing projects are the Shell Dash townhomes, The Grove townhomes, and Pelican Place townhomes, set to provide an additional 64 affordable housing units in St. Petersburg. It’s exciting to see such a focus on helping our local families!

What Makes Habitat’s Homes Special?

Each home built by Habitat is sold with a 0% interest mortgage, ensuring that the homes remain affordable for qualifying families over the long run. To become a homeowner through Habitat for Humanity, families must complete a unique homeownership program that includes 38 homebuyer education classes. Plus, they need to put in 350-450 hours of sweat equity, helping in the construction of their future homes and their community.

Wrapping It Up

The recent funding approval by Pinellas County is a huge step in the right direction. With the promise of new affordable homes in both Lealman and Clearwater, it’s clear that efforts are being made to give families a brighter, more secure future. Everyone in the community is excited to see these projects come to life, making a positive impact on many lives. This generosity and community spirit truly embody the idea of home sweet home!