Habitat For Humanity Receives $25k Grant To Assist Habitat Homebuyers
ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida (June 12, 2026) – Buying a home is a life-changing experience. Research has shown that homeownership can lead to greater economic stability, improved access to quality education, increased civic and social engagement, better health, and a reduced environmental footprint. For the past 34 years, Habitat for Humanity of St. Johns County has been creating pathways to affordable homeownership, but a new grant award from The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida will allow the housing nonprofit to offer its next five homebuyers either down payment assistance or funds to buy down their interest rate.
“This grant through The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida will allow us to offer even more assistance to our next homeowners,” says Malinda Everson, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of St. Johns County. “Buyers can opt to put the $5,000 towards the down payment or buy down their interest rate – either way, it helps alleviate the costs of buying a home, immediately or in the long run. We’re thrilled that The Community Foundation recognizes the critical work we do to make homeownership more attainable for St. Johns County residents.”
Habitat St. Johns builds quality homes to help create a world where everyone has a stable home of their own. To date, Habitat St. Johns, its dedicated staff and tireless volunteers have built 185 homes and served 553 people. In the last decade, Habitat St. Johns has started tackling the critical issue of affordable workforce housing. Industries across the board, from hospitality to emergency services to education, have seen their employees struggle to find accessible, long-term housing options. Many workers and young professionals have been forced to become long-term tenants or contend with long commutes, unable to afford the current median St. Johns County home price of over $500,000. Habitat homes in their newest neighborhood, Volusia Woods, are between $248,000 and $278,000. Single homeowners can earn up to $91,320 a year, while a family of four can earn $130,440, and still qualify. Habitat St. Johns gives homeowners a head start, providing classes in financial and mortgage literacy, homeownership 101, and numerous resources to ensure a successful purchase.
“Through our Supporting Neighborhoods initiative, The Community Foundation is committed to investing in nonprofit partners who are increasing access to affordable housing,” said President Isaiah M. Oliver. “This investment wouldn’t be possible without the good work of Habitat St. Johns as well as the donors who have entrusted discretionary funds to us.”
The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, Florida’s oldest and one of its largest community foundations, works to stimulate philanthropy to build a better community. The Foundation helps donors invest their philanthropic gifts wisely, helps nonprofits serve the region effectively, and helps people come together to make the community a better place. Now in its 62nd year, the Foundation manages more than $850 million in assets as of December 31, 2025, and has made more than $925 million in grants since inception.
