St. Johns Housing Partnership

06/07/2026

One paycheck away from a housing crisis.

During his WFOY Radio - St Augustine with Will Masson, Bill Lazar talks about how even small incomes can’t stretch when half of each paycheck goes straight to rent or a mortgage. It’s a fragile reality that leaves many neighbors one unexpected expense away from losing their home.

St. Johns Housing Partnership works every day to keep people housed and stable. Discover how you can support our mission at https://bit.ly/AffordableHousingMatters.

06/06/2026

St. Johns County is growing fast. But where will the workforce that powers that growth live?

Join us June 12 to find out. Bill Lazar of St. Johns Housing Partnership and Malinda Everson of Habitat for Humanity of St. Johns County will share insights on housing affordability and its impact on workforce stability and quality of life here.

📅 Friday, June 12 | 8:30–9:30 a.m.
📍 AC Hotel by Marriott St. Augustine | 90 Riberia Street, St. Augustine

Register here: https://bit.ly/4eIan8M.

06/05/2026

Disaster recovery starts long before a storm makes landfall.

Recently, Gina Birmingham, our Long-Term Disaster Recovery Coordinator, joined VOAD Executive Board members Dr. Brian Schoonover, Patty Isola, and Julie Wesling at the St. Johns County Emergency Management Operations Center for a hurricane response exercise.

The scenario involved a Category 1 hurricane just off our coast, with the EOC at Level 2 activation. Representatives from every Emergency Support Function (ESF) worked through real-world situations, tested communication systems, and strengthened partnerships that help our community respond and recover when disasters strike.

As ESF-15, our role is to coordinate volunteer organizations, donated resources, and community support during disasters. Exercises like this remind us that preparation, communication, and collaboration are some of our strongest tools.

Thank you to St. Johns County Emergency Management for helping keep our community ready before the next storm arrives.

06/02/2026

"It's everybody's issue." — Tameka Gaines Holly, ElderSource Chief Operations Officer.

Housing affordability is a major issue. Thank you to WJXT4 The Local Station / News4JAX for continuing to cover the housing affordability issue in our community.

"As Northeast Florida’s population ages, local nonprofits warn that more seniors are struggling to afford housing as rent prices continue to rise faster than retirement incomes.

New data compiled through the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida’s “Catalyst” data hub shows Duval County’s population age 65 and older has grown dramatically over the last decade, increasing from 104,968 residents in 2014 to 156,682 in 2024 — a 49% jump.

At the same time, affordable housing options for older adults are shrinking."

Learn more at www.news4jax.com/news/local/2026/05/28/northeast-florida-seniors-face-growing-housing-crisis-as-rents-outpace-fixed-incomes-nonprofits-say.

As Northeast Florida’s population ages, local nonprofits warn that more seniors are struggling to afford housing as rent prices continue to rise faster than retirement incomes.

06/02/2026

June is National Homeownership Month!

The June celebration of homeownership reinforces the St. Johns Housing Partnership's commitment to supporting affordable homeownership and lowering housing costs for families in Northeast Florida.

For over 25 years, SJHP has been proud to double down on its ongoing leadership and commitment to helping families and individuals achieve the dream of homeownership and supporting the stability and economic well-being of individuals and families across North Florida.

We are redefining affordable, low-income housing. We acquire and renovate existing housing, build new affordable rental and for-sale properties, and repair homes.

05/31/2026

When “nice” housing becomes a trap rather than a step up.

In a WFOY Radio - St Augustine discussion with Will Masson, Bill Lazar shares the story of a plumber and his family who, despite earning a decent income on paper, are struggling to get by. Their rent in a build-for-rent community has increased by $500 over the past three years, and rising costs have left them without any financial cushion.

They find themselves in a difficult situation where they cannot afford to stay, nor can they afford to leave—a challenge that many families in our region are quietly facing.

At St. Johns Housing Partnership, we focus on solutions that allow people to live, work, and thrive in our community. Learn how you can help by visiting https://bit.ly/AffordableHousingMatters.

05/27/2026

Forty years of Urban Plunge: the need remains urgent.

Urban Plunge just marked 40 years of youth from St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, Orange Park, FL and others serving our neighbors in St. Augustine by building ramps, painting homes, and showing up for elderly and disabled neighbors who might otherwise be overlooked.

This summer’s projects from June 8th through the 12th include: a ramp for a disabled senior woman living alone who will have to move out if we can’t build safe access, a rebuilt ramp for an elderly, disabled Army veteran, and new landings and steps for a disabled cancer survivor with no income. She, who recently went nine months without hot water, until we replaced the heater for her.

We need to raise $7,500 to complete these three projects. These are not cosmetic projects; they are about basic safety, access, and the ability to remain at home. Join Urban Plunge and SJHP in keeping these residents safe and secure by donating at https://apps.sjhp.org/donate-now.

05/25/2026

Never forgotten. Wishing everyone a meaningful Memorial Day as we honor our fallen heroes. 🇺🇸

05/21/2026

A grant, a great team, and a grateful veteran. 🇺🇸

St. Johns Housing Partnership received a $5,000 grant from The Home Depot Foundation and additional funding from the Buckingham Smith Benevolent Association to help repair the home of an elderly, disabled veteran. This project was supported by dedicated Team Depot volunteers.

Together, they removed and replaced damaged siding, repainted the exterior, and installed two new screen doors, effectively sealing out water and revitalizing the entire appearance of the home.

Thank you to our funding partners and volunteers for standing by local veterans.

05/21/2026

This past weekend, we had the opportunity to serve alongside the St. Johns Housing Partnership. For more than 27 years, SJHP has been committed to ensuring individuals and families in St. Augustine and Northeast Florida as a whole have access to safe, clean, and affordable housing.

We partner with SJHP once or twice each year because we believe in their mission to provide affordable and workforce housing. This year, our team spent the day painting a blue house green, creating a space that will make a lasting impact for its future residents.

Thank you to SJHP for everything you do to strengthen our community and support local families!