Leon County Helps Family Achieve Homeownership Dream

This morning, Leon County Government welcomed a family to their new home during a Homeownership Development Program Housewarming Ceremony. During the ceremony, the family received housewarming gifts to help them settle in. The home was built through the Leon County Division of Housing Services Homeownership Development Program using a portion of the County’s $759,000 fiscal year 2025 allocation from the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP).

“Today, we celebrate a fresh start for this Leon County family as they move into their new home,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Brian Welch. “Through our ongoing partnership with the State Housing Initiatives Partnership program, we’re making a real impact in our community—one family at a time.”

The Leon County Homeownership Development Program provides funding to both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations to develop homes for low-income, first-time homebuyers. This initiative is one of Leon County Government’s key strategies to expand the inventory of affordable housing in Leon County.

“We’re thrilled to welcome this family to their new home in Woodville,” said Leon County District 2 Commissioner Christian Caban. “Safe, affordable housing is the backbone of a thriving community—whether you live in Woodville or any other part of Leon County. By expanding homeownership opportunities, we help families feel secure, strengthen our local economy, and build a brighter future for everyone.”

In addition to the Homeownership Development Program, the County’s SHIP allocation supports other Leon County Division of Housing Services programs, including down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers and housing repair, rehabilitation, and replacement initiatives.

“Strong partnerships and a dedicated County Housing team make transformative projects like these possible,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “Our Homeownership Development Program demonstrates the County’s commitment to expanding affordable housing options for our entire community.”

The Leon County Division of Housing Services is committed to providing safe, sanitary, and affordable housing to low-income residents in the unincorporated areas of Leon County. The Division of Housing Services reviews applications, verifies applicant eligibility, and ensures compliance with the SHIP program and other related programs.

A second Homeownership Development Program Housewarming Ceremony will take place later this week.

For more information, contact Leon County Community and Media Relations at (850) 606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.

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Leon County Housing Services Manager Jelani Marks and Leon County District 2 Commissioner Christian Caban present housewarming gifts to the new homeowner.

Leon County District 2 Commissioner Christian Caban presents housewarming gifts to the new homeowner.


The newest home built through the Leon County Division of Housing Services Homeownership Development Program.