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Advancing Black Homeownership (ABH)

Our commitment to closing the Black homeownership gap.

Manatee Habitat is dedicated to closing the racial wealth gap through homeownership. While we have a strong history of serving Black families through our affordable homeownership program, we acknowledge the need to deepen our engagement with the African American community. Our goal is to unite the local Black community in building an ABH home, while also broadening our impact by offering financial literacy courses to Black families, empowering them with the knowledge and tools needed to achieve financial stability, whether or not they are entering our homeownership program.

Donate today to make a lasting impact by supporting our Advancing Black Homeownership Build! Your donation will help a Princess and her family achieve their dream of owning a forever home.

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Kicking off Our 2026 ABH Build

Last year, our ABH Task Force raised an incredible $103,858 toward the construction of one ABH home for Princess and her children, who are scheduled to move into their new home in December 2025. This success reflects the power of community coming together to create generational change.

As we kick off our 2026 ABH Campaign, we are aiming even higher. Our goal is to raise $250,000 to build two homes for Black families in need of a safe, affordable place to call home.

We will be hosting our first ABH Task Force Meeting on Thursday, April 9th, at our administrative office located at 1901 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM! Please RSVP below to join us!

RSVP for Our ABH Task Force Meeting

Our Goals

  1. Increase Black Homeownership
      • Build 15 homes through the ABH Initiative over the next five years for black families in need. (These homeowners will be selected from a pool of already accepted homeowners. We do not select homeowners based on race.)
      • Prepare 100 Black families for homeownership through financial literacy courses. These 100 families include prospective homeowners who might buy a home through Habitat and those who may use traditional means.
  2. Engage Black Volunteers and Donors:
      • Collaborate with local Black leaders, churches, businesses, and civic groups to support the ABH Initiative.
      • Increase the percentage of Black volunteers and donors through targeted outreach and engagement efforts.

Meet Jasmine — 2026 Advancing Black Homeownership Homeowner

Born and raised in Manatee County, Jasmine is the youngest of two siblings. She watched her mother work multiple jobs and move their family several times before achieving the dream of homeownership. That example of perseverance and sacrifice shaped Jasmine’s determination to build a stable future of her own.

Jasmine graduated from Manatee High School in 2014 and soon began carving out her path. In 2015, she welcomed her daughter, Payton, and committed herself to creating a better life for them both. She enrolled in school and became a Certified Pharmacy Technician, later earning additional certifications as a Phlebotomy Technician and Home Health/Medical Assistant.

By 2019, Jasmine and Payton moved into their own apartment. While grateful for the space, their housing has presented serious challenges, including structural concerns, 

gas leaks, and hazardous mold. Despite repeated requests for repairs, conditions have not improved, and rent continues to increase, placing added strain on their family.

When Jasmine learned that Habitat for Humanity’s application portal was opening, she seized the opportunity. She applied with hope and the vision of a safer, healthier place to call home.

Today, Jasmine is proud to be part of the Habitat homebuyer program and honored as our 2026 Advancing Black Homeownership Homeowner. For Jasmine, homeownership means more than a house. It represents stability, safety, and a foundation where she and Payton can thrive, feel secure, and build lasting memories together.

Because of supporters like you, families like Jasmine’s are building strength, stability, and self-reliance through homeownership.

 
 

Meet Nakyra — 2026 Advancing Black Homeownership Homeowner

Born in Bradenton and raised in St. Petersburg, Nakyra grew up in a loving but financially unstable household. Frequent moves and family challenges shaped her early years, but they also strengthened her determination to build a different future for herself.

After graduating high school, Nakyra earned her bachelor’s degree in social work with a minor in psychology from Florida Memorial University. Driven by a passion for helping others, she immediately began working in her field. During her pregnancy in 2022, complications and job-related stress required her to step away from work. Never one to stand still, she earned her medical technician certification and later returned to serving others as a behavioral technician.

Following the birth of her son, Namir, Nakyra faced additional personal challenges, including 

postpartum depression. Through therapy and resilience, she found healing and strength. Today, she and Namir’s father maintain a healthy co-parenting relationship centered on their two-year-old son’s wellbeing.

Currently, Nakyra and Namir live in a crowded multigenerational home with extended family. Despite limited space, Nakyra continues to thrive. She now works as a lead child welfare agent, helping at-risk youth find permanent homes, while also pursuing coursework at St. Petersburg College to become an ultrasound technician.

A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Worship City Church, Nakyra believes homeownership represents far more than four walls.

“To me, a home would mean peace, pride, and proof that through every struggle and sacrifice, I built something solid for my son and me. It would be the place where we can finally breathe and feel grounded.”

 
 

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