ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. – Helen Johnson took a trip to Jacksonville 25 years ago that changed the trajectory of her life.
She fell in love with the beaches during her vacation and filled out an application for an apartment before she returned home to the Bronx. When she received the call that the apartment was hers and she could transfer with her job, she moved to Mayport.
She’s hoped to be able to save up to buy a home ever since. A divorce, working as a single mother and paying her bills, made it nearly impossible until she applied for help through Beaches Habitat for Humanity.
“I was so excited when I got the email. I was showing it to everyone. I called all my family in New York,” she explained about learning that she had been approved to receive a home through the non-profit’s affordable housing program, which provides homes to eligible applicants.
Johnson will move into one of the 44 townhomes being built by Beaches Habitat for Humanity off Mayport Road, called Coastal Haven.
The $10-million affordable housing community has been years in the making.
RELATED | Nonprofit breaks ground on affordable housing community with 44 townhomes in Atlantic Beach
It will feature 3-bedroom, 2-bath townhomes, built in phases of approximately 8 homes per year.
Johnson’s home should be finished at the end of next year.
“As affordable housing becomes increasingly scarce, this project ensures that local working families—teachers, healthcare workers, and other essential employees—can continue living in the community they serve,” explained Bonnie Laubach, incoming Development Director.
Johnson is required to work 300 hours as sweat equity, helping to build her new home— just one of the requirements to be eligible for the affordable housing program.
Here are the other requirements:
- Live within the service area
- Need affordable housing
- Have the ability to repay an affordable mortgage
- Be willing to partner with Beaches Habitat (sweat equity)
Beaches Habitat for Humanity currently serves 223 families; not all will receive new homes.
WATCH: Beaches Habitat for Humanity CEO Steve Gilbert joined The Morning Show on Friday to talk more about the programs they offer to help future homebuyers.
Some receive help completing renovations of their existing home, others will be helped through its veteran’s program.
MORE | Nonprofit to begin accepting applications for affordable housing community in Atlantic Beach
It always needs volunteers, who do not need any construction experience, and donors. If you would like to learn more, click here.
When asked what the first thing would be that she will do when she moves into her new home with her 15-year-old son, Johnson said, “Pray, and tell God ‘Thank you’, tell God ‘Thank you.’”
To learn more about Beaches Habitat for Humanity, visit this website.