Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties
Overview
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties is a nonprofit housing organization that aims to eliminate substandard housing by building affordable homes for those in need. Founded in 1985, the organization operates in Pinellas and Pasco counties in Florida, and has expanded its operations to Hernando County as of 2024. The organization is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International and serves as a beacon of affordable housing solutions in the Tampa Bay area. Mike Sutton is the CEO of the organization, which has built over 900 homes since its inception and continues to empower communities through transformational homeownership opportunities.
Recent Developments
- November 2024: Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties officially rebranded as Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside, reflecting its expanded geographic service area to include Hernando County. This expansion aims to serve more communities and meet housing needs in the Hernando area.
- June 2024: The organization celebrated a significant milestone, completing its 900th home build in the Dansville-Ridgecrest community in Largo. This event emphasized their commitment to providing stable housing solutions in Pinellas County.
- April 2024: Habitat for Humanity expanded its reach into Hernando County, positioning itself to fill the service gap left by previous Habitat affiliates in the area. With a new executive director onboard for Hernando County, the organization aims to build 24 single-family homes to address affordable housing needs.
- December 2023: Groundbreaking for Longlake Preserve, a 54-unit affordable townhome development in Largo, marked the organization's largest multifamily project. This project is expected to offer homeownership opportunities for families making less than 80% of the area median income.
- September 2024: The organization launched new community partnerships and initiatives aimed at further embedding itself in the communities it serves, including collaborations with local governments and corporate partners to enhance its service and outreach.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 1985 |
| Headquarters | Clearwater, Florida |
| Founders | Habitat for Humanity Affiliate |
| Revenue | $32.5 million (FY 2023) |
| Profits | Not applicable (Nonprofit) |
| Key Investors | Community donations, grants |
| Industry | Nonprofit Housing Organization |
| Number of Employees | 71 |
| Subsidiaries | Habitat Restore |
Early History
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County was established in 1985 to address affordable housing issues in the Pinellas region. In its early years, the organization focused on building single-family homes with the help of volunteers and future homeowners. Over the decades, it expanded its efforts to include home repairs and neighborhood revitalization initiatives. By merging with Habitat for Humanity of West Pasco County in 2019, the organization increased its capacity to serve even more families. This strategic merger was part of a broader initiative to maximize resources and impact in the greater Tampa Bay area. The early adoption of sustainable building practices and a focus on community engagement laid the foundation for its growth and success.
Company Profile and Achievements
The mission of Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties is to build affordable housing in partnership with people in need, thereby helping them achieve the dream of homeownership and fostering pride and dignity. The organization operates on a model where prospective homeowners partake in "sweat equity" by contributing to the construction of their homes alongside volunteers.
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Achievements
- Successfully built over 900 homes as of mid-2024, ranking as the second-largest Habitat affiliate by new home construction completions in the U.S. network.
- Instrumental in the revitalization of the Dansville and Ridgecrest communities through targeted home-building projects, strengthening community ties and enabling economic mobility.
- Established key partnerships with local governments, corporate sponsors like Whirlpool Corporation, and community organizations to enhance outreach and effectiveness.
- Awarded the Charity Navigator's 4-Star rating for financial responsibility and transparency, underscoring its credibility and operational excellence.
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Milestones
- 2019: Merged with Habitat for Humanity of West Pasco County.
- 2023: Celebrated its 900th home build and announced expansion into Hernando County.
- 2024: Rebranded as Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside to represent a wider service area.
Current Operations and Market Position
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties continues to make strides in expanding affordable housing opportunities across its service areas. With a strong focus on financial stability, the organization pioneers initiatives like multi-family housing projects which cater to the rising demand for affordable living options.
In the competitive housing market, the organization positions itself through unique selling points such as 0% interest mortgages and comprehensive homebuyer education programs. These features not only facilitate affordable homeownership but also ensure long-term financial independence for residents. Operating as a nonprofit allows Habitat to direct all revenues and donations towards building homes and supporting families, hence maintaining a sustainable model that has proven successful over the years.
Conclusion
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties embodies a transformative force in the housing sector, driving the mission of affordable homeownership across Tampa Bay. Through innovative partnerships, strategic expansions, and a solid operational model, the organization is poised to continue its impact in the housing and nonprofit sectors well into the future. With recent achievements and expansions, it is strategically positioned to meet growing housing demands, providing hope and stability to countless families in Florida.