Habitat for Humanity needs land for affordable homes

As the need for safe, affordable housing continues to grow, Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County has a dire need — land on which to build its homes.

The affordable-housing crisis has had a significant impact on Central Florida, like many other parts of the United States. Our region has seen a steep increase in housing prices over the past few years, roughly 10% in the last year alone), driven by factors like population growth, limited land availability and rising building costs.

A major consequence is that low- and middle-income families are finding it increasingly difficult to find affordable housing options. According to the Shimberg Center for Housing Studies, 38% of low-income renters in Osceola County pay more than 40% of their income toward rent. When families are forced to spend a significant portion of their incomes on housing, it leaves them with limited funds for necessities like food, health care and education. The crisis has other major implications on the local economy, making it hard for local businesses to not only attract new talent, but retain employees who may struggle to afford to live here.

Habitat Orlando & Osceola works diligently to combat the affordable housing crisis. Since 1986 we have built, rehabbed and repaired over 800 homes. As Florida’s housing crisis continues to affect residents, we are running out of land, and in such a hot market, our nonprofit struggles to compete with developers, who have their own land acquisition teams and access to significant capital.

As such, we are asking anyone with unwanted land to consider selling it to us. Habitat Orlando & Osceola pays fair market value, even as the seller supports an important cause. Selling directly to our nonprofit eliminates the time-intensive process to find a buyer and the expenses of paying taxes and maintenance on vacant or improved property.

Habitat Orlando & Osceola is seeking land with clear title, including single infill lots, as well as acreage located outside flood hazard areas that can support housing communities.

Whether you decide to sell or donate land to Habitat Orlando & Osceola, you’re not just contributing to building a house, you’re opening the door for a local family to purchase a new, energy-efficient home with an affordable mortgage. The land you sell or donate stays locally owned and gives Central Florida families a foundation on which to build their futures.

If you are interested in donating land or selling land or just want to learn more about the program, please contact us at 407578-1995 or visit https:// habitatorlandoosceola.org/ land-acquisition/.

Ghioto is Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County’s VP of Planning & Construction.