GREEN COVE SPRINGS - For Clay County Habitat for Humanity, providing affordable housing will always be the mission. 

A recent development has brought them closer to doing so.

The nonprofit officially broke ground on Harbor Ridge, a new development that is said to provide additional safe and affordable housing for families in Clay County.

"It's a place where families will soon build strength, opportunity and stability," said Executive Director Carolina Morrow.

Located at 3 West 1st St., the property will feature 28 new homes designed to help families and the elderly achieve self-reliance through home ownership.

Since 1977, Clay Habitat has been working to construct new homes for low to moderate-income families with significant housing deficiencies. These families must demonstrate need, have decent fixed credit, make a modest down payment and participate in sweat equity hours.

To date, they have constructed over 185 homes in Clay.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Sept. 18, was attended by local and state leaders, as well as Habitat for Humanity executives and a plethora of supportive community members. 

"Habitat for Humanity has always been a beacon of what's possible when neighbors come together with compassion and determination," said District 5 Commissioner Kristen Burke.

Clay County Sheriff's Office Director of Patrol and Community Affairs Wayne McKinney gave his remarks, as well as Green Cove Springs Chief of Police Shawn Hines.

Hines spoke on the police department's partnership with the nonprofit and their positive reputation in the community.

"As the operations commander for almost seven years before I became chief, my job was, here in this department, to be aware of the community problems. To be aware of the issues ongoing that my men and women were out here solving every day.

"I can remember one incident in seven years that involved a Habitat house, which was more than just a minor glitch on the radar."

He affirmed that, within the scope of the project, local police departments will be available to assist residents along the way and welcome them into their new homes.

Clay Habitat hopes to begin building on the property before the end of the year.