First Coast Habitat for Humanity Launches New Name and Leadership as It Enters a New Chapter of Growth
Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville, long known as HabiJax, is stepping into a bold new chapter with a new name, a new interim leader, and a renewed commitment to tackling the region’s affordable housing crisis.
Effective July 21, 2025, the organization will now operate as First Coast Habitat for Humanity, a name that better reflects its expanded service area in Duval, Nassau, and Baker counties. The change coincides with the start of the nonprofit’s new fiscal year and a shift in leadership.
Monte Walker, President and CEO of HabiJax for five years, stepped down at the end of June to pursue other interests.
“Monte led the organization through a critical period,” said Jim Branch, Chair of the nonprofit’s Board. “He guided a successful merger with Nassau Habitat for Humanity and helped build a more sustainable and strategically focused foundation. We’re incredibly grateful for his service and leadership.”
HabiJax’s Board of Directors selected Chief Community Partnerships Officer Chris Folds to serve as Interim CEO. A Jacksonville native with over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, Folds brings strong community relationships and operational expertise to his role. He will help guide the organization through this transition while the Board initiates the process to identify permanent leadership.
“Chris has the steady hand and deep institutional insight we need at this moment,” Branch said. “He’s the right person to carry us forward as we scale our impact and lean into our expanded mission.”
Since its founding in 1988, First Coast Habitat for Humanity has helped 2,400 local families achieve homeownership and remains one of the top-producing Habitat affiliates in the United States. Now serving a broader region, the organization is setting ambitious goals to meet a deepening need for affordable housing across Northeast Florida.
According to a recent UNF Public Opinion Lab poll, 1 in 4 Duval County residents cite the cost of housing as the community’s top concern. Meanwhile, more than half of renters in Jacksonville are classified as “cost-burdened,” according to data from the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida. The same issues are emerging in communities as diverse as Fernandina Beach, Hilliard, and Macclenny.
“This moment calls for clarity, urgency, and bold collaboration,” said Folds. “The housing crisis is real and growing. First Coast Habitat for Humanity is uniquely positioned to meet this moment. We’ve set aggressive goals to serve more families in more communities across the region. We know we can only succeed by working together with our staff, board, volunteers, donors, and partners.”
The launch of the new name, First Coast Habitat for Humanity, marks the beginning of a broader rebranding initiative that reflects the organization’s vision for the future: a First Coast where everyone has a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home.
About First Coast Habitat for Humanity
For over 37 years, First Coast Habitat for Humanity (formerly HabiJax) has helped 2,400 families achieve the dream of homeownership. Through affordable financing, volunteer labor, and sweat equity, families are empowered to invest in their own lives and build strength, stability, and independence. Now serving Duval, Nassau, and Baker counties, First Coast Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to addressing the housing crisis across Northeast Florida with urgency, innovation, and community partnership.
Website and Email Addresses
On July 30, firstcoasthabitat.org will replace habijax.org as the domain for the First Coast Habitat for Humanity website. Both habijax.org and nassauhabitatfl.com will then redirect to firstcoasthabitat.org.
Organizational email will still be sent and received from habijax.org and habijax.com addresses for the time being. A future transition to firstcoasthabitat.org emails will be announced later in 2025.
