Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties: A Champion for Accessible Homeownership

Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties brings people together to build houses so that homeownership is accessible to citizens from all backgrounds.

Citizens from all backgrounds — working, retired, families, veterans — are being priced out of one of the most fundamental life necessities: a place to call home. Sadly, this is the tip of the iceberg, as a lack of attainable housing impacts our financial security, mental health, and general well-being. Pinellas is now the most densely populated county in Florida — more than 3,500 people per square mile — yet the county’s peninsula deprives us of buildable space.

Founded in 1985, Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties is a longstanding nonprofit that brings people together to build homes and communities to make homeownership accessible amid an escalating housing crisis. In the last 38 years, the organization has built over 830 single-family homes and helped more than 1,000 families become homeowners. Its expansive impact and upcoming multifamily projects show us the power of public-private partnerships in philanthropy.
Families who apply to the Habitat for Humanity program are accepted based on credit requirements and the organization’s bandwidth. Every month, Habitat accepts about 8-12 families into the program, and nearly 100% make it into a home. Once accepted, families complete sweat-equity hours and educational classes that prepare them for homeownership. They then purchase the home with a 30-year, 0% interest mortgage, with loan amounts never exceeding affordability. Last year, the organization built 73 single-family homes through this program.

For Mike Sutton, president and CEO of our local Habitat for Humanity, this work doesn’t just impact these families but the entire community and him personally. “Every single time we finish a home and do a dedication ceremony and present those keys to the family, it’s symbolic in my mind of breaking a cycle of poverty. Every single one has its own story and is impactful in a different way. It’s impactful to see these families work so hard and get to the finish line and become a homeowner.”

One of Habitat’s key values is inclusivity, which is why it ensures ample exposure within the LGBTQ+ community through the Pride Build. Mike explains the mission of the Pride Build is simply to “let [people] know that Habitat is an option for them.” Just because a family doesn’t fit the traditional definition, it “doesn’t necessarily mean that [they] don’t qualify for Habitat. If someone qualifies and wants to own a home, we will partner with them.” Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties serves all families and upholds the ideal that homeownership is for everyone.

Financial support from the community and the work of the staff and volunteers keep Habitat running month after month. Through the generosity of donated funds, PCF has granted Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties more than $650,000 over the past 20 years. Mike believes the organization’s relationship with PCF has also been integral to its success. In addition to grants, many Habitat staff members have attended trainings and seminars sponsored by PCF. “We consider our partnership to be strong, and we’re appreciative of everything the foundation does for Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties and the community.”

Mike also says Habitat’s partnerships with local governments have played a significant role in the success and growth of the organization. Habitat competes for vacant property on the market to acquire land, just like any other builder. Each year, Habitat constructs about 15-20 homes on land acquired at a reduced rate or free through partnerships with Pinellas municipalities. Mike believes that this kind of government participation is necessary to help communities combat the housing crisis. “I’m a big proponent that public-private partnerships are key … that’s what will help move the needle. We’ve seen costs increase nearly 1000% in some areas of the county over the last five years, which is being driven by out-of-state investors and speculators. This has also led us to do more work in the land trust, where home affordability will be guaranteed for 99- to 198-year time frames.”

Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties’ upcoming multifamily projects give us yet another example of the power of public-private partnerships in creating lasting community impact. The organization is taking on three new projects in South St. Petersburg to provide 64 townhomes to low-income city residents at income-adjusted rates. The first project, Shell Dash, is located on 16th Street South and will consist of 10 3-bed, 3-bath townhomes just a few blocks south of Tropicana Field and in walking distance to the Edge District. The second project, The Grove, will also feature 10 townhomes on 18th Street and 18th Avenue South. Finally, Pelican Place, also located on 18th Street South, will feature a whopping 44 townhomes just across the street from Tangerine Plaza.

Habitat’s shift to multifamily provides a greater benefit from a density standpoint, helping the organization fit more homes on limited land, ultimately serving more families. With a new type of construction, however, comes new challenges. Mike says people often assume multifamily construction is cheaper than single-family homes, but this isn’t the case. The organization is grappling with multistory construction and installing infrastructure and utilities — costly obstacles they aren’t used to navigating.

Even with these new challenges, Mike has high hopes for Habitat’s future when the organization can find a balance between various single-family and multifamily projects. Mike says, “There’s always an opportunity to look at things a little bit differently.”

Mike highlights the importance of unity and teamwork to combat an issue as big and looming as the housing crisis. “Unfortunately, we have underbuilt affordable housing for decades in our region. Our entire community feels the impact and the squeeze of finding affordable housing opportunities. We’ll have to continue to find ways to come together to find solutions.” To make these projects a reality, Habitat needs all the community support it can get. For those who want to get involved with Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties, Mike encourages them to advocate for affordable housing, contribute financially, volunteer, or refer someone who may qualify for the program. If people have land they wish to donate, Mike says simply, “Give us a call. We’ll walk them through the whole process.”

This job, of course, doesn’t just fall on individuals. “The state and the municipalities have to continue to step up and continue to make it a priority and move red tape and bureaucracy out of the way,” Mike continues. “It’s a nonpartisan issue … we should be able to come together to find places for people to live to ensure we have a diverse and thriving community. Teachers, bus drivers, police officers, home health care workers all need an affordable place to call home; otherwise, they will leave. If we want to continue to enjoy all of life’s blessings in Pinellas County and our region, I challenge our community to find ways to support affordable homeownership.”