Work begins on Juniper Bend in South Apopka

Habitat and AmeriCorps needs your help

From AmeriCorps

We have started building on Juniper Bend and we are looking for volunteers for Saturday July 1st at 302 E 13th St. Apopka from 8:00am-2:30pm

All volunteers must be 16 years of age or older. No construction experience is necessary. Individuals may register through the online calendar.

Interested in volunteering with a group? Contact our AmeriCorps Community Outreach Coordinator to schedule a group build day! Schedule today

We really cannot do this without you! We rely on thousands of volunteers every year to carry out our mission. Be a part of stabilizing housing for hundreds of Seminole County and Greater Apopka families.

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"In the greater Apopka area, 16% of families live below the poverty line," said Penny Seater, the Executive Director for the Seminole County/Greater Apopka Habitat for Humanity, at a Townhall for Homes meeting held at the John Bridges Center in South Apopka back in March. "And 62% are spending up to 50% of their income on housing. The average 2-bedroom apartment in Apopka costs $1,000. On minimum wage, a person would have to work two and a half jobs to manage that cost. In some cases, they have to decide between groceries and prescription drugs. Saving for a down payment is out of the question."

Seater went on to explain that homeowners are healthier, their children are more likely to graduate high school and go to college.

"No matter who you are or where you come from you deserve a good life. Every one of us deserves a better opportunity."

For this new development, Habitat Seminole-Apopka will build 24 homes in Juniper Bend. The approximate size of the houses will be 1,079 to 1,510 square feet and will be anywhere from three to five bedrooms with one to two baths. The fair market value for the homes will be around $140,000 to $154,000.

There are certain eligibility requirements that homebuyers must meet to qualify for this program. Homebuyer income must be 30% to 80% of the median income for the Orlando Metropolitan Area. In addition, homebuyers must complete 200 to 400 hours of “sweat equity,” complete homebuyer education classes, have no more than $2,000 in collections, and be able to save $3,000 for closing costs. For more information, please refer to habitatseminoleapopka.org.