New Homes, New Beginnings: Two Families Become Homeowners Through Leon County’s Homeownership Development Program

Today, Leon County Government welcomed two families to their new homes during a Homeownership Development Program Housewarming Ceremony. During the event, the families participated in a ceremonial ribbon cutting and received housewarming gifts to help them settle in. The homes were built through the Leon County Division of Housing Services Homeownership Development Program with financing from the County’s annual State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) allocation.

“Leon County is excited to welcome not one, but two families to their news homes through our Homeownership Development Program,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Brian Welch. “Because of our ongoing partnership with the State Housing Initiatives Partnership program, we are able to expand affordable homeownership opportunities and create lasting stability for families in our community.”

The Leon County Homeownership Development Program is designed to provide funding to for-profit and not-for-profit organizations for the development of homes for low-income, first-time homebuyers. The program is one of Leon County Government’s strategies to grow the inventory of affordable housing in Leon County.

“Today, we are not just handing over keys, we are opening the door to new opportunities for two deserving families in the Providence neighborhood,” said Leon County District 1 Commissioner Bill Proctor. “These new homes, made possible through our Homeownership Development Program, are a critical step in our ongoing effort to strengthen our neighborhoods and create a more equitable future for all of our residents.”

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

"The County's latest affordable housing project shows what’s possible when state and local partners team up with the very residents who’ll benefit,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “By expanding our Homeownership Development Program, we’re meeting a pressing need and laying the groundwork for a more inclusive, resilient community.”

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

"A new home is more than a place — it’s a fresh start, a quiet promise, and a sacred space where your soul can rest, grow, and be fully at peace,” said homeowner Matrecia Bryant. “Here’s to new memories, new blessings, and a beautiful new beginning.”

“I feel so blessed and grateful to have this beautiful new home for me and my family,” said homeowner Ronard Ivey. “Thank you to the Leon County team for helping me achieve this dream.”

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

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Homeowners Ronard Ivey (center left) and Matrecia Bryant (center right) cut the ribbon in celebration of their new homes which were funded through the Leon County Homeownership Development Program.

District 1 Commissioner Bill Proctor speaks during the Homeownership Development Program Housewarming Ceremony.

At-Large Commissioner Nick Maddox speaks during the Homeownership Development Program Housewarming Ceremony.

One of two new homes built in the Providence neighborhood through the Homeownership Development Program with financing from the County’s annual SHIP allocation.