By Shantelle Dedicke
As host of the “Hello Frances” podcast, I recently spoke with Teresa Jones, the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Walton County. Our conversation delved into the critical issue of affordable housing in our community, a challenge affecting not only individuals and families but also local businesses striving to retain and attract top talent.
From the outset, it was clear that Habitat for Humanity plays an essential role in addressing this crisis. Teresa began by sharing the organization’s mission: “Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, community, and hope. We’re not just building homes; we’re building lives.” This statement encapsulates the transformative impact of stable, affordable housing on families, offering them hope and a foundation for a better future.
One of the most eye-opening aspects of our discussion was the severity of Walton County’s affordability crisis. The numbers are staggering: as of March 2024, the average sales price for a home in Walton County was $945,000, with a median sales price of $551,000, for many workers in our community, including those in essential roles like school district employees, owning a home at these prices is simply out of reach.
Teresa explained that Habitat for Humanity’s model is designed to bridge this gap without being a handout. “Our homeowners pay for their homes at a 0% interest rate and must also contribute 250 hours of ‘sweat equity’ per adult in their household,” she said. This approach makes homes more affordable by eliminating interest costs and instills a sense of ownership and pride among homeowners.
Listening to Teresa’s stories about the homeowners they’ve helped was incredibly inspiring. She shared the success of various families, including school district employees and single mothers, who have improved their lives dramatically thanks to Habitat for Humanity. These families, who once faced insurmountable obstacles, now have safe, affordable homes and brighter futures.
As a business owner, I found our conversation particularly relevant to the challenges we face in retaining and attracting talent. The lack of affordable housing limits our ability to keep young, creative professionals in the area. This issue is not unique to Walton County but is a growing concern nationwide.
Teresa emphasized the importance of community support and engagement in tackling the housing crisis. Habitat for Humanity relies heavily on volunteers and donations to reduce construction costs and make homes affordable. She encouraged businesses to participate in team-building activities by volunteering at Habitat builds and urged individuals to support the Habitat ReStore, which sells lightly used and new housing goods to fund their mission.
The Habitat ReStore in Santa Rosa Beach has been a game-changer for the organization. In the last year, it has served 18,000 families and kept 80 truckloads of materials out of landfills. Teresa proudly stated, “Our ReStore pays for all of our operations costs, so 100% of donations go directly to building homes.”
Looking ahead, Teresa shared plans for a block party at Hope Village in Defuniak Springs. This event will celebrate the completion of their eighth home and the construction of five more. It aims to educate the community about Habitat for Humanity’s work and the families they serve.
In conclusion, supporting Habitat for Humanity is crucial for addressing our community’s housing needs. I urge everyone to get involved, volunteer, and support their mission. At Frances Roy, we’re committed to joining the next build and supporting Habitat for Humanity in any way possible.
For more information on how to support Habitat for Humanity of Walton County, follow them on social media, visit the Habitat ReStore, or attend their upcoming events. As Teresa aptly put it, “We need workforce housing in our community, or we won’t be a community anymore.”
This episode of “Hello Frances” has been an enlightening experience. It highlights the challenges we face and the incredible work being done to create a sustainable and thriving community. Let’s all do our part to support this vital cause. Listen to this episode and more at francesroy.com/hello-frances-podcast.
