In a move to tackle the looming issue of affordable housing, St. Johns County is putting considerable financial backing into the Volusia Woods development, a key initiative led by Habitat for Humanity aimed at providing much-needed homes for families in the region. A sum of $1,213,949 has been invested to develop the infrastructure for this project, a commitment that underscores the County's efforts to support accessible housing solutions, as reported by St. Johns County's official communication.
Funding comes from a mixture of allocations, with $949,280.35 sourced from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the remainder, a hefty $264,669, from the Affordable Housing Grant Program. Jointly, these funds have catalyzed the construction of Volusia Woods, located off North Volusia Street in St. Augustine, which is not only watching the rise of new structures but also embodying the sheltering aspirations of a community in desperate need of reasonably priced living spaces.
A recent update reveals that 20 out of the planned 36 homes are now complete, with 11 already purchased by residents through the County’s Housing Counseling and other initiatives funded by the State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) program. This development stands as a testament to the County's dedication, presenting ownership opportunities for families that might otherwise struggle to secure a stable living environment. "We are proud of the progress at Volusia Woods, where 20 of the 36 planned homes are now complete," Malinda Everson, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of St. Augustine/St. Johns County, expressed her gratitude and highlighted the community impact of the project, in a statement obtained by St. Johns County's official communication.
The development of Volusia Woods is part of a long-term plan by Habitat for Humanity of St. Augustine/St. Johns County, aiming to build up to 30 homes per year by 2028-29. These homes provide families with opportunities for stable housing and self-sufficiency. On June 2, the county celebrated the dedication of three homes, marking a milestone in its ongoing affordable housing efforts.
