Nassau Habitat for Humanity receives regional award

Submitted by Alvaro Pertuz
Nassau Habitat for Humanity
December 13, 2019

Nassau Habitat for Humanity, based in Fernandina Beach, has received the Affordable Housing Provider Award by the Northeast Florida Regional Council, after being nominated by Fernandina Beach Vice Mayor Len Kreger. The Northeast Council is one of ten in the state formed in 1977 as to coordinate local, regional, and federal planning for the future of Florida.

Nassau Habitat for Humanity is proud to be recognized by the Regional Council as a leader in affordable housing.

Nassau Habitat for Humanity was formed 25 years ago to address the problem of substandard affordable housing in Nassau County. Since then, 42 houses have been completed on Amelia Island, and one in Callahan. The workers are totally volunteer. Homeowners are selected by income and need, cannot be eligible for a bank mortgage, and provide 300 hours of work on their home as part of their down payment. They then buy their home with a 20 year no interest mortgage serviced by Nassau Habitat. Payments are lower than prevailing rent, costing $460 to $650 for a two or three bedroom home for principle, taxes and insurance.. Homes meet all standards, and are better built and safer than previous living conditions. So far, 9 clients have paid off their mortgage and own their homes outright.

Nassau Habitat receives no federal or state funding, and is supported by donations from local businesses, churches, individuals and foundations. Over 90% of all income is used for land and construction.

For more information on this organization and its programs, click here.