Habitat seeking family for Steinhatchee home

Posted on May 27, 2020

One lucky Taylor County family will find themselves the owners of a new home to be built in Steinhatchee this year, according to Taylor County Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Karol Newport Barr.

Barr explained that the family that had previously been chosen for the home had to back out of their agreement due to unfortunate circumstances.

Now Habitat will be seeking applications from families who qualify to own the home. The home will be located near the Steinhatchee River.

Qualifying families will have to show a need for a home based on their financial situation and the living conditions of their current residence.

“They must be able to make interest-free mortgage payments,” Barr said.

“This is not a handout, it is a ‘hand up’,” she added.

“The applicants must pass financial and criminal background checks, as well as qualify under Habitat’s guidelines, and they must be current Taylor County residents,” Barr explained.

“The application process is rather lengthy, but worth the effort to the family that qualifies,” she said.

Applications will be accepted from June 1 through July 10.

Families who feel they might be eligible may contact Habitat for an appointment by calling (850) 584-3838.

Appointments will be available at the office located on 203 East Drew Street in Perry on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

In Steinhatchee, the appointments will be at the Big Bend Water Company office located at 1313 1st Ave. SE on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Habitat is a non-profit faith-based organization which seeks to provide sustainable, affordable housing for families which do not qualify for traditional mortgages.

In most cases the payments are less than rental payments, the director said.