https://www.facebook.com/HabitatPinellas/posts/10156389027099346
Earlier this year, Pinellas County donated seven parcels of land in the Greater Ridgecrest area of Largo to Habitat for Humanity. The global nonprofit’s Pinellas chapter has been working to revitalize the historic African-American neighborhood through the construction of affordable housing ever since.
Habitat Pinellas has invested nearly $2,000,000 in the project so far.
“We gladly accepted the donation of all seven lots and planned a ‘Paint the Block’ initiative where we partnered with 10+ homeowners in the neighborhood for exterior enhancements,” said Habitat Pinellas CEO Mike Sutton in a statement. “We also began work to accumulate additional lots in the neighborhood. At this time, we’ve completed 10 homes at an investment of $1,845,000; have nine under construction with another six vacant and ready for a family; and we are also pursuing additional vacant lots.”
The Habitat Pinellas leadership team familiarized themselves with Ridgecrest — including vital community members like the YMCA, Ridgecrest Elementary and Friends of Ridgecrest — before kicking off construction. To rally support for their redevelopment efforts, they also made it a point to meet with county commissioners.
Over the next six months, Habitat Pinellas plans to finish the nine homes under construction, which will put its investment over $3,500,000.
“Congratulations and thanks to Habitat Pinellas! Despite the obstacles and challenges in the Ridgecrest neighborhood, Habitat Pinellas is committed to providing housing opportunities and has accomplished this,” Commissioner Karen Seel said. “With over $3,500,000 invested by Habitat Pinellas, we are proud of the homes that will be built. Safe and affordable housing — that’s the goal of the Pinellas County Commission. Habitat Pinellas has been the leader in making this happen. We’ll grateful for their leadership.”
This article appears in Dec 13-20, 2018.