Manatee County Habitat for Humanity announced that it will receive a $750,000 grant from the State of Florida to prepare infrastructure for a new 20‑unit affordable townhome development in Palmetto. The funding will cover site preparation, including roads, sewer and water pipelines, on an empty lot near 11th Street West and 8th Avenue West, adjacent to a Publix store.
First state grant in organization’s history
The grant marks the first time in Habitat for Humanity’s 32‑year presence in Manatee County that it has secured state funding. CEO Bernie Quinn said the lot had become an “eyesore” and that the project will transform it into a “very brand‑new, very modern, nice‑looking community” for future homeowners.
Focus on essential workers
The townhomes are intended for essential workers—teachers, nurses, first responders and other community members who struggle to afford medium‑sized homes and are currently stuck in rentals or short‑term housing. Within the first week of opening applications, Habitat received over 500 requests, underscoring the local demand for affordable ownership.
Homeowners who are selected will contribute labor to the construction and will receive a zero‑percent mortgage, keeping monthly payments affordable.
Local officials praised the effort
Quinn credited State Senator Jim Boyd and State Representative Will Robinson for their assistance in securing the grant. He emphasized that the high cost of construction and infrastructure presents a significant hurdle for a nonprofit, making state assistance crucial to moving the project forward.
Timeline and next steps
Groundbreaking is expected within the next 12 months, with the infrastructure work slated to begin shortly after the grant is disbursed. The development will add 20 townhomes to the Palmetto housing stock, providing much‑needed ownership opportunities for families and individuals who serve the community.
Community impact
By addressing the shortage of affordable homeownership options for essential workers, the project aligns with broader efforts to strengthen families and support the local economy. The partnership between Habitat for Humanity, state legislators and the community demonstrates a collaborative approach to solving a pressing housing need.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
