Home for the Holidays

As we all gather with family and friends to celebrate the holiday season—be it Christmas, Hanukkah or any other special occasion—let’s remember our neighbors who are struggling to purchase a home.

Having a home provides a sense of security, stability, and comfort. Having a home for the holidays is so much more special. A home for the holidays offers a safe, inviting place to gather with loved ones, a place to create new holiday traditions and lifelong memories together.

Many prospective homeowners in St. Johns County searching for a place to call home are doing everything right. They are our moderate- and lower-income workers making over $35,900 per year. They are serving the community where they want to live as teachers, law enforcement, first responders, military personnel, hospital, service industry and hospitality workers, etc. They are working hard, sometimes more than one job, to try and make ends meet. They also want to raise their children and have them obtain their education in the high-quality St. Johns County School district. They want to enjoy all the parks, sporting activities, special events and other perks St. Johns County has to offer.

However, rents and mortgage rates are extremely high, and the supply of affordable homes for sale and reasonable long-term rentals is very limited. Unfortunately, short-term rentals have taken over most of the market, leaving these families with few options.

Habitat St. Johns may be the solution they need. With the help of our generous donors, volunteers, business partners, and community leaders, Habitat St. Johns has grown from building 4-6 homes a year to completing 18 homes in fiscal year 2025, and we are on track to build 20 homes this fiscal year. Our Habitat St. Johns family of supporters knows the benefits homeownership provides and the importance of the stability, security and opportunity for generational wealth that comes along with it.

Currently, our Volusia Woods homes (https://habitatstjohns.org/floorplan/) are being built for our workforce to purchase. Our two-bedroom-one-bath homes are appraising and selling for $248,000 and our three-bedroom two-bath homes are appraising and selling for $278,000. They come with a metal roof, granite countertops, Whirlpool appliances (including a washer, dryer and dishwasher), high quality vinyl flooring and so much more.

As we approach the end of 2025, and look ahead to 2026, we hope you will be part of the solution by donating (https://habitatstjohns.charityproud.org/donate/) or volunteering (https://habitatstjohns.org/volunteer/) with Habitat St. Johns.

Your year-end giving will make a difference in the lives of hardworking locals who want so badly to celebrate the holidays—and every day—with the security and comfort that comes from homeownership.

We wish you a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, and the very best in 2026.