Florida Construction News staff writer
Big Bend Habitat for Humanity has started construction on two new city-sponsored affordable homes in Griffin Heights. The single-family homes are expected to be completed in early 2023.
Last year, the Tallahassee City Commission voted to continue a partnership with Habitat for Humanity, contributing $195,000 from the affordable housing trust fund, 600 volunteer hours by employees and the donation of three city-owned vacant lots.
“The partnership with Habitat for Humanity is one of the many ways we are taking action to ensure local families have access to affordable housing,” Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey said in a statement. “There are currently more than 1,900 affordable housing units in our community’s pipeline. A result of our strategic policies and programs, this number is greater than the last 25 years combined.”
Builds on Volusia Street mark the 17th and 18th Habitat homes sponsored by the city since the beginning of the partnership in 2014. Employees participate in every stage of construction over approximately 20 build days for each home.
Big Bend Habitat for Humanity provides affordable homeownership to eligible residents in Leon and Gadsden County. The national Habitat for Humanity model allows for groups and individuals to sponsor homes through financial contributions and pledges of volunteer labor. Individuals who acquire a home through Habitat for Humanity contribute volunteer labor for homes built by the organization.