Saturday, Sept. 7, was a day of new beginnings — for two local women who are realizing their dream of homeownership and for the organization that has helped to make that dream come true, Habitat for Humanity of St. Augustine/St. Johns County.
Well-wishers gathered outside two newly completed houses in Habitat St. Johns’ latest neighborhood, Volusia Woods, as the women cut the ribbons on their respective homes.
The home dedication followed a dual open house at the site the previous day, Friday, Sept. 6.
“It’s such an exciting time,” said Halsey Jones, program assistant for Habitat St. Johns.
Jones explained that one of the homes was a two-bedroom model, while the other had three bedrooms. They are the first of nine that will soon be occupied on Helen Street, with nine more being planned on the other side of the neighborhood. Applications approved later in the year will lead to another 18.
The first three homes have been built with the support of The Raintree Restaurant, O.C. White’s Seafood & Spirits and Publix Charities.
Volusia Woods is Habitat St. Johns’ fourth neighborhood, the last being Canopy Oaks, just a few blocks away, which was completed in the winter of 2023. It also marks a new strategic plan. Since 1992, Habitat St. Johns has built about 170 houses, averaging about six a year. But by 2028-29, starting with Volusia Woods, the nonprofit intends to build 30 homes per year.
Thanks to several businesses and organizations, the new homes will include those things that help make life livable.
Here’s a look at these donations:
“Being able to move into a new place that already has everything ready to go is really life-changing,” said Jones.
A Habitat St. Johns supporter who visited the open house Friday explained her reasons for helping the nonprofit.
“I had a wonderful childhood, and the memories I have of my childhood are based on a very loving home,” she said. “It was safe, secure. I had friends to play with. And I can’t think of a better thing to help kids than to have a secure home life.”
She said Habitat for Humanity provides housing for those who need a hand up, not a handout.
“And that’s why I will support it,” she said. “As long as I live here, I’ll support it.”
To qualify for homeownership, applicants must demonstrate need, ability to pay, willingness to partner through 200 sweat-equity hours and have worked or lived in St. Johns County for at least one year.
Anyone wanting to donate to Habitat can contact Development Director Tom Torretta at development@habitatstjohns.org or 904-826-3252 ext. 2001. They can also donate online at habitatstjohns.org.
Jones said volunteers are always needed. Individuals can volunteer during Habitat St. Johns’ open builds as listed on its volunteer website. Groups can sign up by emailing Jones at programassistant@habitatstjohns.org.
