$2M Awarded To Habitat For Humanity Pinellas, Pasco By Legislature

CLEARWATER, FL — With the signing of the state budget by Gov. Ron DeSantis Thursday, Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties received a $2 million direct appropriation in the state's budget for affordable homeownership.

This signifies a significant step toward addressing the urgent need for safe and affordable housing within Pinellas and West Pasco Counties, said Mike Sutton, president & CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties.

Habitat partnered with Johnston & Stewart Government Strategies to successfully secure funding in this year's budget.

The funding will be instrumental in supporting the ambitious Achieving the Dream of Homeownership project, which aims to construct 92 affordable homeownership units across four subdivisions in Pinellas and Pasco Counties.

This investment will be allocated toward critical development activities, including infrastructure development, architectural design, civil engineering and associated expenses.

“We are overjoyed and deeply grateful for the $2 million state funding allocated to our Achieving the Dream of Homeownership project," said Sutton. "This remarkable achievement was made possible by the dogged dedication of Sen. Ed Hooper, Rep. Kim Berfield and all members of the state Legislature who championed affordable housing initiatives. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our committed supporters whose tireless efforts have brought us closer to our vision of ensuring everyone has a safe and decent place to call home."