ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida (Oct. 19, 2026) – Habitat for Humanity of St. Johns County is on a homeownership mission: to fill the last six homes in its Volusia Woods neighborhood before the end of 2026.
“We would love to help welcome six new qualified residents home for the holidays,” says Malinda Everson, Chief Executive Officer of Habitat for Humanity of St. Johns County. “We’re living in a time where homeownership can seem like an unattainable goal, and we want people to know that’s why we’re here. It is our mission to create affordable housing options, educate homeowners so they can care for and even improve their investment, and create a community ready to welcome them to the neighborhood with open arms.”
Habitat for Humanity just released a new global housing report, “Home at What Cost?,” and its findings soberly reflect the current housing climate. The report shows that 42% of non-homeowners residing in the United States say they don’t expect to own a home in their lifetime. Rising housing costs are affecting budgets overall, with one-third having to spend less on food or groceries, use savings or emergency funds, or take on additional work. Parents and guardians are feeling the mental burden, with six in ten renters worried that housing costs will limit the opportunities they can provide for their children. Locally, housing costs are becoming increasingly difficult for the workforce. According to the Zillow Housing Market Overview, the median home list price in St. Johns County is $529,617 as of August 31, 2026.
“These are not free or low-quality homes,” stresses Everson. “Habitat is able to keep the costs of construction down through strategic partnerships, non-profit financing, and innovative building methods. With so many chapters operating globally, we have a deep and practical understanding of what works. Our homeowners are hardworking individuals who have put in hours building their home, attended classes to understand their mortgage, financing options, and home maintenance, and who we most likely interact with daily.”
Volusia Woods is Habitat St. Johns’ newest neighborhood, located in St. Augustine's West King neighborhood. Of the six available homes, two are 874 square feet with two bedrooms and one bathroom, and cost $248,000. Four homes are 1,081 square feet with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and cost $278,000. Habitat St. Johns works with qualified applicants to secure financing for their new home, with down payment assistance options available. Additional down payment assistance is available for qualified homebuyers who close on their homes before December 31, 2026. To learn more, visit www.HabitatStJohns.org.
