Leon County Receives State Award for Affordable Housing Program

Recently, Leon County Government received the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) New Construction Award from the Florida Housing Coalition for the County’s Homeownership Development (HOD) Program. The HOD Program awards SHIP funding to non-profit and for-profit organizations for the construction of new homes for low-income, first-time homebuyers in Leon County. To date, more than $500,000 in SHIP subsidies have been awarded to Leon County’s non-profit and small business partners.

“This statewide recognition reflects the unwavering commitment of Leon County to provide safe and affordable housing for our residents,” said Leon County Commission Chair Carolyn D. Cummings. "Our innovative Homeownership Development Program is just one example of our ongoing efforts to build a stronger and more equitable community."

The HOD Program marks more progress in Leon County's ongoing efforts to grow and preserve the stock of affordable housing available to residents. Since October 2023, Leon County’s HOD Program has financed the construction of nine new homes, including four units on County-donated parcels that are now in the Leon County-Tallahassee Community Land Trust, and five units in targeted neighborhoods that have historically experienced poverty and racial inequities. Four of the subsidized projects have been completed, with five currently under construction. Three of the completed projects have already been sold to income-eligible buyers.

“Through initiatives like the Homeownership Development Program, Leon County is committed to addressing the pressing issue of affordable housing,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “We are proud of our Housing Services team for this statewide recognition and for their dedication to creating a thriving community for all.”

Established in 2021, the HOD Program seeks to increase the stock of affordable housing for low-income households, foster homeownership opportunities for low-income, first-time homebuyers, and promote the growth of homeownership in neighborhoods that have historically experience poverty and racial inequity, including Bond, Frenchtown, Griffin Heights, South City, and Providence.

“The Division of Housing Services is honored to receive statewide recognition for our team’s dedication to making affordable homeownership a reality for residents,” said Jelani Marks, Housing Service Manager.

The Leon County Division of Housing Services plays a crucial role in this endeavor by reviewing applications, verifying eligibility, and ensuring compliance with SHIP and other related programs. To learn more about the County’s Division of Housing Services and the Homeownership Development Program, visit LeonCountyFL.gov/Housing.

For more information, contact Jelani Marks, Housing Services Manager, at (850) 606-1900 / MarksJ@LeonCountyFL.gov, or Leon County Community and Media Relations at (850) 606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.

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Leon County Housing Services Manager Jelani Marks (right) receiving the SHIP New Construction Award during the 2024 Statewide Home Matters Conference.

A new home in Leon County funded through the County’s Homeownership Development Program.