Habitat For Humanity’s Providence Pointe Seeks Sponsors, Volunteers

The ground is broken for Providence Pointe in Greater Brandon, Hillsborough County’s newest Habitat For Humanity community, which affords lower-income families willing to sweat a little the opportunity to move into a new home.

"We are processing applications right now but we are always looking for families,” said Kathy Brogli, community relations director for Habitat Hillsborough.

Gerdau Ameristeel is sponsoring the first home in Providence Pointe, and potentially others, “but we still need corporate sponsors and volunteers to make this project a success,” Brogli said.

The development plan for Providence Pointe calls for 15 homes. Habitat for Humanity hopes to have all 15 complete within 12-18 months. This is Habitat’s third community in Hillsborough County. The first two were built in East Tampa in 1997 and 2001, respectively. In all, the group has built 130 homes since 1987.

The development of 15 homes is just off Highway 301 in a secluded neighborhood on Radio Lane, only minutes from Interstates 4 and 75. The Hillsborough County Affordable Housing Department donated $1 million to buy the land for the project and provide infrastructure, including roads and street lights.

As with all Habitat residences, homebuyers must donate 500 "sweat equity" hours to the construction of their new home, be able to assist with closing costs and make monthly mortgage payments. On average, each home takes about 2,000 man hours to build and involves around 250 volunteers.

The homes are sold to homeowners at no profit with a no-interest rate mortgage. To qualify, prospective homeowners must show that their incomes are 30-80 percent of the area’s median income.

Homeowners buy their homes from Habitat for Humanity. The mortgages — typically for zero percent interest over 30 years — end up costing the homeowner between $550-$600 a month, including principal, taxes and insurance, Brogli said.

Floor plans, based on family size, feature two- to five-bedroom models with two baths.  Additional features include  an open kitchen- dining living-room area, large laundry and linen closets , walk-in master bedroom closet and tile flooring. Homeowners choose from several color packages to personalize the interior.

Energy-efficient features include: 

• Whirlpool EnergyStar appliances,
• Compact fluorescent lighting,
• Energy-efficient windows and doors,
• Low-flow faucets and toilets, and 
• Florida-friendly landscaping.

To sponsor a home or to volunteer, call (813) 239-2242. Or, visit Habitat’s web site. Those interested in applying for a home can call the same number or fill out a pre-application questionnaire.