GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. – Volunteers, local leaders and business sponsors spent the day rehabbing a home in Green Cove Springs as part of Habitat for Humanity’s “Leaders Build,” an effort organizers said is aimed at helping working families access affordable housing in Clay County.
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The project focused on a home on Thomas Street, where crews tackled pressure washing, scrubbing, yard work, painting and interior repairs. Habitat for Humanity leaders said the event helps raise funds and gather volunteers to complete renovations for a family who will move into the home.
“We’re always looking for property that we could fit in our budget that we’d be able to build an affordable house on, because Habitat’s all about affordable housing,” Roger Higginbotham said, president of Habitat for Humanity.
Higginbotham said the build is supported by a network of community partners and sponsors, including Maxxim Roofing & Construction, ICG Innovative Construction Group, Higginbotham Custom Homes and VyStar Credit Union.
“Our boards have been working hard. We had several sponsors. We’re raising some money to help us complete this home for her family,” Higginbotham said.
Lori Wanger, a vice president at VyStar Credit Union, said the need for affordable housing extends beyond very low-income households.
“It provides affordable housing in the workforce, not just low incomes, but for all families,” Wanger said, adding that it “couldn’t be done without the volunteers.”
The build comes as housing affordability remains a concern locally. In Clay County, the median price for single-family homes rose 3.4% in January 2026 to $368,000 according to the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors.
Homes spent a median of 50 days on the market. There were 181 closed sales, a 27.9% decrease from December, while pending sales totaled 189, an 8% increase. New listings rose 49.1% to 319, and active inventory was at 921 homes, representing a 5.1-month supply. The Home Affordability Index was 93.
Volunteer Keith Powers said the day’s work brought together people from different backgrounds for a common goal.
“It’s excellent. I mean, like say you get different people doing different things, all walks of life, you know, just helping,” Powers said.
Habitat for Humanity leaders said the work will continue beyond the Thomas Street renovation. Organizers said the group plans to build two additional homes nearby on Alvin Street, marked by trees with red ribbons, as part of its effort to expand affordable housing options in Clay County.