ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – A local nonprofit announced on Friday the purchase of a new property in St. Johns County that will become its largest affordable housing community in its 33-year history.
Officials with Habitat for Humanity of St. Augustine/St. Johns County announced the purchase of a 32-acre parcel located off Duval Street, adjacent to the Solomon Calhoun Community Center.
“We are one of the few, if not the only, builder in St. Johns County that is building homes under $300,000,” Executive Director Malinda Everson said.
According to the nonprofit, homeowners will have walkable access to ball fields, swimming pool, fitness classes, and sports and activities in the gymnasium.
Officials said half of the property will have 74 affordable homes. The rest of the property will remain protected wetlands, retention ponds, wildlife refuge, and may include a park for residents.
“There’s, there is such a significant need. We hear stories every day where people come into the office, and I’m hearing more and more stories about people being homeless, essentially couch surfing, living in their vehicles where we didn’t used to get that as much,” Everson said.
Cassey was one of those homeowners.
She calls it a desperate moment when she Googled “affordable housing” and found Habitat for Humanity homes for sale.
“The price of rent around here in St. Johns County is extremely high. We were quite literally facing homelessness,” she said.
The new community, which is yet to be named, will include affordable 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom single-family homes of various looks and styles.
Habitat St. Johns builds in partnership with individuals and families earning 30 – 120% of the Area Median Income, ensuring that people across various income levels can purchase homes that fit within their budget without compromising quality or location. Habitat homeowners enjoy housing costs that do not exceed 30% of their income.
The site plan is being finalized by Matthews DCCM, and work on home designs will begin soon.
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027.