Habitat for Humanity moves forward on two affordable housing projects in Pinellas County
/A row of completed Habitat for Humanity homes | Habitat for Humanity
The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners has approved $3 million in funding to support two significant affordable housing projects by Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside.
These developments—located in Lealman and Clearwater—will provide more than 80 new homes for families in need, advancing the county's commitment to affordable housing solutions.
In Lealman, a 5.94-acre parcel of underused land at 58th Avenue North and 40th Street North will be developed into a vibrant residential community. Habitat has secured approval to acquire the land from the Housing Finance Authority of Pinellas County (HFA).
The plans include 57 new affordable housing units, featuring a mix of 31 single-family homes and 26 townhomes. The county will contribute $2.29 million in funding, supporting the $10.13 million project.
A rendering of a Habitat for Humanity townhome | Habitat for Humanity
In Clearwater, a vacant 1.35-acre lot at 1456 S M.L.K. Jr Avenue will soon be transformed into a new neighborhood called Lake Belleview. Through a partnership with Tampa Bay Neighborhood Housing Services (TBNHS) and with land donated by the City of Clearwater, 24 new townhomes will be built.
The $9.58 million project, which includes $1.015 million in county funding, will offer affordable homeownership opportunities for 24 families.
Mike Sutton, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside, emphasized the importance of these partnerships, noting, "Habitat has built nearly 950 homes in our community because of these partnerships with county and city governments. We are grateful to Pinellas County and the City of Clearwater for their continued support. These developments will place over 80 families in safe, secure, affordable homes, making affordable homeownership a reality for hardworking families."
These new communities are part of Habitat for Humanity’s broader mission to provide safe, stable housing across Pinellas, West Pasco, and Hernando Counties. Habitat is currently working on 11 developments across the region, with plans to build approximately 320 new homes.
A rendering of Habitat for Humanity’s The Grove townhome community | Habitat for Humanity
Other Habitat for Humanity developments currently in the works include the Shell Dash townhomes, The Grove townhomes, and Pelican Place townhomes. Each of the developments is in partnership with the City of St. Petersburg and will provide a combined 64 new affordable housing units in St. Petersburg.
Each Habitat home is purchased by a qualifying family that has completed Habitat’s homeownership program, which includes 38 homebuyer education classes and 350-450 hours of sweat equity. Homes are sold with a 0% interest mortgage to ensure affordability over time.
Since its inception in 1985, Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside has served over 900 families and is set to dedicate its 1,000th home in 2025, marking a major milestone in its mission to provide affordable housing.
The organization continues to work in partnership with local governments, volunteers, and future homeowners to build a more stable and equitable community.
For more information, visit Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside’s website.
