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Published on January 23, 2025
St. Augustine Celebrates First Anniversary of Patriot Place, Championing Affordable Housing for VeteransSource: St. Johns County

In a move that highlights both community compassion and practical development, the St. Johns Housing Partnership celebrated the one-year anniversary of a crucial project for veterans. The dedication ceremony held on January 17, 2025, marked the successful first year of Patriot Place – A Supportive Housing Solution for Veterans, located at 79 Masters Drive in St Augustine. With six apartment units designated for veterans in need of affordable housing, the project has quickly become a beacon of hope for veterans of St. Johns County who are struggling to find a roof over their heads.

According to the St. Johns County Commissioner's office, Commissioner Ann Taylor of District 5, was present to lend her support to the initiative. Funded with significant help from MountainStar Capital, a Ponte Vedra-based real estate firm, they contributed over $500,000 to jump-start the apartment complex. The firm's generosity, aiming to forward and encourage others in the community to give back, was recognized at the celebratory event.

The St. Johns Housing Partnership, established in 1998, has a longstanding commitment to fostering affordable housing in North Florida. They focus on building partnerships between public and private sectors to address housing shortages, particularly for those with limited incomes. Their work intricately weaves the community fabric by not just constructing new homes but also revitalizing neglected neighborhoods, thereby promoting greater economic and social development in disadvantaged areas, as reported by the St. Johns County.

Their work has been recognized with the 2024 Silver Aurora Award for Best Sustainable Affordable Housing for the Patriot Place project. This veteran-focused apartment complex highlights their commitment to improving affordable housing in the region. They have worked to acquire, renovate, and build housing that improves living conditions for low- and moderate-income residents, including the elderly, disabled, and military veterans.