Pulte and ICG are proud to be a part of a group of builders who were able to help in the Tiny House Project. This project is a small way to help elevate the affordable housing crisis by building an affordable tiny home community. Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville (HabiJax), and the Northeast Florida Builders Association are heading this project.
Angela Leatherbury, COO of HabiJax was able to answer some questions to help elaborate on the scope and impact of this incredible project that is helping our community.
Where did the Tiny House project originate and what is the overall goal?
This is the realization of Delores Barr Weaver’s innovative vision to pave the way into a new era of affordable housing. The goal is provide opportunities to those in need of safe and stable housing and answer one piece of the affordable housing crisis that Jacksonville faces.
How well did the builders in our community embrace and participate in this event?
The Northeast Florida Builders Association was a phenomenal partner in this build. The participating builders – Dream Finders Homes, Dostie Homes, Encore Homes of North Florida, New Atlantic Builders, Providence Homes by Bill Cellar, Pulte Group, and TerraWise Homes – were so generous with their time and resources to build 29 of the 50 homes.
Will this be an ongoing yearly focus?
These houses will be affordable rental units available to one and two-person households. HabiJax’s focus remains committed to providing homeownership opportunities yet realizes there is a tremendous need for affordable housing options, and this project was another way that HabiJax can serve more families and address the affordable housing crisis.
What are some other Builders Care projects in NE FL?
Builders Care is a faith-based nonprofit construction contractor whose mission is to provide affordable to no-cost construction services to the elderly, disabled, and other nonprofits in Northeast Florida with the kindred purpose of building a better habitat for all.
With the support of donations, they are able to stop roofs from leaking and make a home handicap accessible to the elderly and disabled. The city has a waiting list of over a yearlong to help with these projects. This is where Builders Care steps in and is able to have a large impact on those that they are able to help. The simple act of building a wheelchair ramp, reconfiguring bathrooms to be handicap accessible and fixing a leaking roof can make all the difference to give independence to the elderly and disabled.
- Support Builders Care by donating at their website: https://builderscare.org/
- Follow Builders Care on Instagram
When does the first tenant move in?
Move-in for the first tenants is anticipated to begin in July 2021.
What is the application process to move into a Tiny Home?
We are working with a property management company and will soon have more information on that process and contact. First priority will come from referrals for tenants will be from other social service agencies in Jacksonville.
Can people volunteer to help build a tiny home? If so, where can they sign up?
We are determining the scope and timing of volunteer opportunities at this time, but when they do open up, volunteers can visit habijax.org/volunteer and go to our volunteer calendar where they can register for their preferred slot.
Follow ICG on Facebook to stay up to date on future nonprofit projects and fundraisers.
