CLEARWATER – Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties has rebranded to become Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside.
The new name reflects the affiliate’s recent expansion into Hernando County. The affiliate now represents three of the four counties in the Tampa Bay MSA.
This rebranding comes at a pivotal time for the organization, which is recognized as the second largest, based on its new home construction out of the U.S. network of 1,100.
In April, Habitat for Humanity International selected Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties to expand its service area to include Hernando County. Its 900th Home build was celebrated in the Greater Ridgecrest Community in Largo in June. Most recently, Pinellas County selected Habitat for Humanity as the top proposal for 62 lots designated for a mixed housing development in Lealman.
“Our new name not only reflects the expanded geographic reach but also underscores our commitment to transformative community development throughout the region,” President and CEO Mike Sutton said.
Since its announcement of expansion in Hernando County, leadership has been working to raise awareness of its services and create partnerships with community stakeholders.
Habitat recently announced the hire of a new executive director, Whitney Dinu, to support efforts in the region.
“It’s an exciting time for Habitat for Humanity,” Sutton said. “The most recent selection by Pinellas County for the Lealman Heights Development will allow over 60 families access to affordable homeownership in the community. In a time where too many of our neighbors are being priced out of the area they live, grow and work in, homeownership helps anchor families to our region.”
The Lealman community is a focus area for Habitat for Humanity, with more than 60 homes built since the pandemic. The overall site plan for the Lealman Heights Development is designed to create a cohesive and sustainable community that addresses the area’s diverse housing needs. The plan includes the development of 31 single-family infill homes and 31 townhomes, arranged to increase land use while maintaining a balance between density and the surrounding lower-density neighborhood.
At a nearly $14 million investment, the development will feature a mix of 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom units, ranging between 1,100 to 1,400 square feet and serving an estimated 204 people.
The development will be executed in three phases, ensuring prompt development of vacant single-family parcels while concurrent development activities occur on the additional parcels. Officials said this approach ensures the Lealman Heights Development meets current housing demands and sets a standard for future developments in the region.
“The primary goal of this development is to address the growing need for affordable housing in the Lealman community,” Sutton said. “By providing high-quality, affordable homes, we aim to create stable communities, reduce housing insecurity, and promote economic mobility among residents. Additionally, we seek to empower residents through homeownership, providing them with the tools and support necessary to build generational wealth.”
