Beaches Habitat works together with families, local communities, volunteers and other partners so that more people are able to live in affordable and safe homes. 

In the Jacksonville Beaches, one in five families must choose between spending money on a safe place to live and spending money on groceries, health care, education or reliable transportation. Everyone should have enough money left over after paying rent or mortgage costs to cover life’s necessities.

The Current State of Housing

• According to the Out of Reach Report, Fair Market Rent for a 3-bedroom home in the Jacksonville Metro area is $2,027 each month. An affordable payment for a renter earning the area’s median income is $1,310. (National Low Income Housing Coalition)
• Beaches Habitat for Humanity homeowners are people who need a little help to stand on their own. Most work full time in occupations that include childcare workers, nursing assistants, and cashiers, with annual mean wage in 2023 of $28,980, $37,150 and $28,380 respectively. To afford Fair Market Rent for a 3-bedroom home in Jacksonville, a family needs a minimum annual income of $81,080. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Low Income Housing Coalition)
• Working at minimum wage ($12 per hour), an employee would need to work 154 hours each week to afford a 3-bedroom apartment at Fair Market Rent. (National Low Income Housing Coalition)

Why It Matters

Affordable homeownership helps create the conditions that free families from stress and fear, helping build stability and confidence. Studies show that strong and stable households are foundational to child development and growth. When a home fosters — instead of hinders — health and safety, families can flourish. Owning an affordable home also allows homeowners to lift up their entire family by saving for their futures and investing in educational opportunities — bolstering job opportunities and long-term career growth.

Learn more about our homeownership program.