About Us

 HabiJax History

In 1988, nine affordable housing visionaries came together to incorporate Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville.  Since then, HabiJax has been sustained by the inspiration and collaboration of many forward-thinking, concerned citizens.

Our journey has featured significant milestones along the way.  From the 1st, 500th, 1,000th and 1,500th homes built; to McNair Park Villas; to being named Habitat for Humanity’s affiliate of the year; to opening the HabiJax ReStore.

Today, HabiJax is the most effective Habitat for Humanity affiliate in America and has helped over 1,650 families realize their dream of homeownership since 1988.  Some of the  neighborhoods revitalized by HabiJax   include:  Brentwood, College Gardens, Eastbrook, Eastside, Fairway Oaks, Grand Park, Hillcrest, Longbranch, Moncrief, N. Riverside, Newtown, Paxon, Riverview, Royal Terrace, S. Riverside, Speedway Park and St. Nicholas.  

The need for high-quality, affordable housing in Jacksonville remains as critical today as it was in 1988.  Today, HabiJax is uniquely positioned to meet this need:  by increasing the availability of housing while creating sustainable neighborhoods that provide long-term benefits for our stakeholders.

Looking ahead, we’re adapting our business model to meet the challenging times in our community.  The HabiJax board is committed to the multifaceted roles of the organization:  builder, community developer, underwriter, mortgage lender, social service provider, affordable housing advocate, and transcending all, change agent.

The milestones achieved over the last 21 years, as well as our future milestones, are not possible without the partnerships you provide.  Friends like you have helped us achieve important work.  With your gifts of time, talent and treasure, you guide us in the right direction to achieve our mission.

2009  

• HabiJax helps over 1,650 families to date realize their dream of homeownership.



• HabiJax is one of 15 property developers selected by the City of Jacksonville to participate in the Neighborhood Stabilization Program on a fee-for-service basis to assist in the redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed properties in Duval County.



• HabiJax is invited to participate in the Northeast Florida Builders Association Parade of Homes for first time and the Craftsman model wins silver in the $103,000-$113,000 category.




• The Crew , young professionals for HabiJax, hosts its 2nd Annual Golf Fore Homes.  The tournament raises $30,000 for the HabiJax mission.  

  

2008

•   Habitat Resources of Duval County, a related partner to HabiJax, starts developing Paris Villages.


• HabiJax opens ReStore  – Jacksonville’s Home Improvement Retail Outlet - at 5800 Beach Blvd.  ReStore sells new and refurbished building materials, appliances, furniture, lighting and accessories to the public at 50-60% off.  Proceeds provide an important source of additional funding for HabiJax.  
  

• HabiJax participates in Women Build.  Grace Nelson (wife of U.S. Florida Senator Bill Nelson) serves as Honorary Chair.   © Catherine Burkee

  

• The Crew , young professionals for HabiJax, hosts its 1st Annual Golf Fore Homes.  The tournament raises $36,000 for HabiJax’s mission.  


• HabiJax maximizes its efficiency to benefit other organizations and builds 7 houses for other Community Development Corporations.


•   HabiJax celebrates its 20th anniversary.  

2007

• HabiJax celebrates the milestone of its 1,500th home.


• Weaver Community Tool Box, made possible by a $1 million donation from Wayne and Delores Weaver, is launched.

2006

• HabiJax collaborates with Jacksonville Housing Authority, Northeast Florida Builders Association and 22 local builders to construct the neighborhood of McNair Park Villas and transform the lives of 124 families.
• HabiJax is named Affiliate of the Year by Habitat for Humanity in recognition of outstanding performance and commitment to serving more families locally and globally.

2005

• HabiJax organizes the SuperBuild of 39 homes in honor of Jacksonville hosting the 39th Super Bowl.  Funding is provided by $1.9 million community-wide campaign.

2002

• HabiJax celebrates the dedication of its 1,000th home.
• David and Ann Hicks endow scholarship program at University of North Florida and fund Hicks Prep Club to help students in grades 7 through 12.  81% of HabiJax children in Hicks Prep Club participate in Hicks scholarship program at UNF.

2000

• Jimmy Carter Work Project takes place in Jacksonville, FL…transforming a public housing site into a community of 85 single-family homes.
• HabiJax welcomes AmeriCorps, domestic version of Peace Corps.

1996

• Wayne and Delores Weaver kick off their partnership with HabiJax.  Their gifts and influence have brought more than $8.9 million to HabiJax and have built 219 homes since 1996.

1995

• David Hicks guides the business community to a tax incentive program. Since 1995, corporate Jacksonville has sponsored 805 homes at an investment of more than $28 million.

1994

• HabiJax builds its 100th home for Gloria Daniels.

1991

• Bob Ware and Joe Area found The Wednesday Gang – the most experienced volunteer resource HabiJax has today.

1989

• HabiJax builds its first home for Myra Harris.  Myra pays off her mortgage in 2002.

1988

• HabiJax is founded by Connie Arrington Beard, Michael Bryant, Barbara Cekosh, Doug Faust, Doug Gillis, Tim Mack, Bruce Merton, Frances Troxler and Yvonne “Vonnie” Vance.

To learn how you can help eliminate substandard housing in Jacksonville by building and renovating high-quality, affordable housing (new and existing) that enhances neighborhoods and communities – please join our e-mail list .