St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners Support Habitat for Humanity

13 June 2025
Category: SJC News District 5
Tags: 2025

A dedication event for three new homes in Volusia Woods was held on June 2.

Habitat for Humanity of St. Augustine/St. Johns County (Habitat St. Johns) celebrated the dedication of three newly constructed homes in Volusia Woods on Monday, June 2, 2025, at 883, 887, and 891 Josiah Street. The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners were represented by Commissioner Clay Murphy, District 3 and Commissioner Ann Taylor, District 5.

These homes were made possible through strong community partnerships. The home at 883 Josiah Street, future residence of a young couple and their two small children, was funded by a generous grant from Publix Supermarkets. The homes at 887 and 891 Josiah Street were sponsored through Florida’s business tax credit program by The Raintree Restaurant and O.C. White’s Seafood & Spirits, respectively.

The new homeowners include a single mother with two children, and a single father caring for his adult son who requires additional support. Habitat St. Johns included an ADA-compliant bathroom in the latter home to meet the family’s specific needs.

These additions bring Habitat St. Johns’ total to 182 homes built since 1994. The organization is on track to meet a major milestone—completing 18 homes in Fiscal Year 2025 (by June 30)—tripling its usual pace of 4–6 homes annually.

“More and more families struggle to find affordable housing in St. Johns County,” said Malinda Everson, Executive Director of Habitat St. Johns. “With rising inflation and housing costs, many are facing homelessness or living in substandard conditions. Homeownership provides stability, security, and the opportunity for generational wealth that many of us take for granted.”

Habitat St. Johns attributes this success to the generosity of community partners and donors. Notable contributors include:

Baker Distributing – donated air conditioning systems
St. Augustine Kitchen and Bath – donated kitchen and bathroom countertops
Memorial Presbyterian Church and St. Anastasia Catholic Church – donated washers and dryers
Lowe’s – provided discounted materials
Whirlpool – donated refrigerators and ovens/stoves
Schneider – donated electrical supplies for all Habitat homes nationwide

“This work wouldn’t be possible without our incredible partners, volunteers, local leadership, and donors,” said Everson. “You are all part of the Habitat St. Johns family, and we are truly grateful.”

Volusia Woods, located off North Volusia Street, is the organization’s fourth neighborhood and a cornerstone of its new strategic plan to scale construction to 30 homes per year by 2028 – 29. Habitat St. Johns will complete 18 homes in FY2025.

The June 2 dedication marked a celebration not just of new homes, but of the community coming together to build a brighter future—one family at a time.

Habitat for Humanity of St. Augustine/St. Johns County – Founded in 1993, Habitat St. Johns partners with families, volunteers, and donors to build safe, decent, and affordable housing in St. Johns County. Through sweat equity, education, and affordable mortgages, Habitat homeowners achieve stability and self-reliance. Learn more www.habitatstjohns.org.