Habitat St. Johns

Together We Build Homes, Community, and Hope

By Julie Wesling

Habitat for Humanity of St. Johns County is a nonprofit organization that builds quality, affordable single-family homes for our workforce — the backbone of our community. We eliminate barriers to homeownership so that individuals and families in need of stable, attainable housing can build a better future.

Our homebuyer partners include the “missing middle”-those who earn too much to qualify for safety net assistance, but not enough to purchase a home in St. Johns County through conventional means. These neighbors are our hospital staff, hospitality workers, teachers, first responders, service industry personnel, single parents, and veterans. As a provider of fair housing opportunities, Habitat St. Johns does not discriminate. We partner with people from all backgrounds, both those seeking housing and those who join us to help.

Every Habitat homeowner contributes to their own success—they put in sweat equity hours and take financial literacy and homeowner education courses, so they are ready to thrive. Most of our future homebuyers work with a volunteer mentor to learn about homeowners’ insurance, homestead exemptions, will preparation, disaster preparedness, and more. At the end of the program, Habitat partners close on a new home with an affordable mortgage, prepared to handle insurance, taxes, maintenance, and all the responsibilities that come with homeownership.

Volusia Woods, a lovely community just a bike ride away from downtown St. Augustine, is our fourth neighborhood. As future Habitat homeowners work side-by-side, they get to know each other and begin building community before they even move in. Every Tuesday through Saturday, Habitat St. Johns welcomes volunteers from the general community—individuals and groups—to support affordable housing.

YOU can help us raise the roof for a retired veteran. Or build a bedroom for an at-risk child. Or create a stable foundation for a single mother. Or finish a kitchen where a low- to moderate-income family will gather for meals and homework help. Once our neighbors enjoy housing stability, they perform better at work and in school, are more present for their families, experience better health, and engage more in the community.

We all need attainable housing, because our community is stronger when we keep our workforce local. As Habitat homeowner Lily, who works for St. Johns County, says about our supporters: “You’re not just helping me be stable and have a home, I’m also able to stay at my job and help the families and children I work with have more stability. Yes, it’s about where I lay my head, but it’s also about what I am able to do. I’m more present in my job, and hopefully I’ll move up. I can continue to help others and become the best version of myself thanks to the Habitat donors and supporters.”

Habitat St. Johns builds community in many ways— by fostering connections among future neighbors who become friends and look out for one another; by introducing community volunteers and new homeowners; and by revitalizing historically underserved areas through infrastructure. Families in homes adjacent to Habitat communities can tap into city water and sewer, abandoning old septic systems and well water.

And Habitat St. Johns builds hope. Since our start in 1992, we have completed more than 180 homes. 78% of Habitat families are still in their original homes, thriving in the knowledge that they are growing wealth and in a position to leave something of real value to the next generation.

Here’s what Habitat homeowner Katelynn has to say after spending the holidays in her new home: “Homeownership means everything to me. After years of renting in unsafe, unaffordable, and unhealthy conditions, constantly worrying whether my children were truly safe, this home represents peace and stability. It means having a space that’s ours — one I can care for, feel proud of, and finally invite family into without fear or shame. It’s the security of knowing that my voice matters here, that no one can take this safety from us. Thanks to Habitat for Humanity, I finally have not just a house, but a home where my family can breathe, grow, and make memories together.”

The lack of affordable housing affects the entire community – everyone reading this article likely knows someone who qualifies for a Habitat home but doesn’t realize it. You can help by sharing our mission with those who need housing assistance. Habitat for Humanity thrives with the support of our community, and there are many ways to give: volunteering, becoming a Hope Builder through a monthly donation, including Habitat in your estate plan, sponsoring a home, or donating your vehicle to our Cars for Homes program.

Habitat for Humanity of St. Johns County not only builds homes for those in need but also works to transform communities. Together, we build opportunity.

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