GREEN COVE SPRINGS - With the help that Habitat for Humanity continues to provide for the Clay County community, recent changes are set to expand that assistance even further.

Recently, Habitat for Humanity obtained funding for the construction of its new building at 3 West St. 

The building officially completed construction in April and will act as the organization’s main administration wing. 

Previously located in the Restore, Clay County Habitat for Humanity executive director Carolyn Edwards said the big move will bring significant changes. 

The new building upgrades the organization to 3500 square feet of interior space and includes nine new offices and a conference center. 

Edwards said the new building will help the organization offer adequate services it was not able to before. She said applicants will now have a uniform place to come and get the assistance they need. 

“Now we can have applicants come and really have a place to be able to adequately provide the services that we need to help them to become successful homeowners,” Edwards said. 

Additionally, behind the building lies additional property acreage, which Edwards said Habitat for Humanity will eventually begin building on. 

In what will be called “Habitat Cove,” the new plan consists of developing six to eight homes on the property. 

Edwards said there are a couple of other ‘mini’ subdivisions where they can expect to start building soon, also. These will have a minimum of three to five homes.

Since 1977, Clay County Habitat for Humanity has been working to construct new homes for low — to moderate-income families with significant housing deficiencies. These deficiencies could include structural damage, high crime areas or other internal issues. 

The homes are made affordable for families in need by providing them with zero-interest mortgages and ensuring that mortgage payments don’t exceed 30% of their income. 

Low-income families are determined by Housing and Urban Development guidelines. Additionally, families must demonstrate a demonstrated need, have decent or fixable credit, make a modest down payment and participate in sweat equity hours before closing. 

From the ground up, the organization works to build at least four homes per year. Edwards said these homes reside around the county. To date, they have constructed about 185 homes in Clay.

Edwards said the new move would also profoundly impact Green Cove – where most of their work occurs. 

“This will allow us to be where most of our homes are constructed,” Edwards said. “We've got more than 100 homes constructed in Green Cove.”

With the Restore still open, Edwards encouraged the community to visit the shop and donate their gently used items. 

With a range of house goods, new tools, appliances and furniture available, Edwards said the store is perfect for home renovations and those needing materials at greatly reduced prices. 

She said that all of the proceeds went towards housing construction costs. 

“We're trying to get ourselves ingrained into the community [and] find out exactly what other services may be necessary and how we can help with that,” Edwards said.