The Tellor Estates project is the local Habitat’s largest development to date and will provide 75 families the opportunity to thrive in safe and affordable homes.

PINELLAS PARK – Representatives from Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties, sponsors and elected officials came together last week to break ground on a 75-lot affordable housing project in Pinellas Park.

The Tellor Estates neighborhood project is the local Habitat’s largest development to date, and will provide 75 families the opportunity to thrive in safe and affordable homes.

Last June, Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties acquired 7.3 acres located at the northeast corner of 68th Street and 62nd Avenue North in Pinellas Park for $2.1 million.

“Habitat for Humanity has been blessed over the years by tremendous community support,” said Mike Sutton, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties. “By working with Pinellas County and the city of Pinellas Park, the opportunity for homeownership will be realized by 75 local families in the next two years. We are proud to launch our largest development to date.”

Habitat will initially build 51 new affordable, energy efficient homes, with the first 15 homes starting within the coming weeks. The 7.3 acres also contains a number of residents living in mobile homes, but rather than displacing the homeowners, Habitat is providing them an opportunity to access the Habitat program or continue living on the property until they decide to move. Additional project goals include the construction of a new road as well as infrastructure improvements to the alleys between homes.

This neighborhood will offer 75 local families and individuals the opportunity to improve the paths of their family for generations to come. Candidates must demonstrate need for adequate shelter; have the ability to pay back a zero-interest loan and be willing to partner with Habitat to invest 350 to 450 sweat equity hours.

The total project is expect to cost about $9.4 million, according to Habitat. That includes the property purchase plus an estimated $250,000 for infrastructure improvements and $7.7 million for 51 homes at about $151,000 each.

In March 2019, the West Pasco and Pinellas County affiliates merged to form Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties.

In total, the affiliate has constructed 564 homes for struggling families in Pinellas and West Pasco Counties, using locally raised funds.

Volunteers and the future homeowners construct the homes, which are sold at no profit and financed with a zero-interest loan. Habitat homeowner candidates earn 30 to 80 percent of area median income. Candidates must also demonstrate need for adequate shelter; ability to pay back a zero-interest loan and willingness to partner with Habitat to invest 350 to 450 sweat equity hours.

Mortgage monies are used to build even more homes, making each donation to Habitat a perpetual legacy to the community.

Habitat believes that home ownership contributes to family stability, leading, in turn, to community stability. Additionally, the affiliate raises funds through their two ReStores, home improvement outlets where donated household and building items are sold to the public.

For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties, call (727) 536-4755 or go to habitatpwp.org.

Photo and graphic courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties.

Habitat for Humanity | Tellor Estates | Affordable Housing | Tampabay News

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