Our Story
For over 27 years, it’s been our privilege and honor to see people join together to build and renovate homes that offer Manatee County families the opportunity to live life from a position of strength, stability, and self-reliance. We have witnessed the power of safe shelter and how it removes barriers that block opportunity, helps families thrive, and keeps children healthy.
Founded in 1994 as an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, Manatee Habitat has built and sold 144 Habitat homes in Manatee County through home construction. An additional 25 families annually are served through our Home Preservation Program making their homes safe and secure. Manatee Habitat has build homes throughout Manatee County with communities in Palmetto, Ellenton and a future 16 home community in Samoset.
These accomplishments have been the result of collaboration between business, faith organizations, municipalities, community organization and thousands of volunteers who each year become part of the solution to Manatee County’s affordable housing need.
All Are Welcome
Manatee County Habitat for Humanity has an open-door policy: All who believe that everyone needs a decent, affordable place to live are welcome to help with the work, regardless of race, religion, age, gender, political views or any other distinctions that too often divide people. In short, Habitat welcomes volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds and also serves people in need of decent housing regardless of race or religion.
As a matter of policy, Habitat for Humanity International and its affiliated organizations do not proselytize. This means that Habitat will not offer assistance on the expressed or implied condition that people must either adhere to or convert to a particular faith, or listen and respond to messaging designed to induce conversion to a particular faith.
Who We Serve
Habitat homebuyers are of low to moderate income, with a stable employment record and decent credit history. Participants are chosen based on their need, ability to pay, and willingness to fulfill the “sweat equity” component: helping to build their future home or those of their Habitat neighbors. Learn more about becoming a Habitat homeowner here.
How We Work
We are a non-profit housing developer that works with people just like you to offer hard-working families “a hand up, not a hand out”. We do this by helping families build equity, financial stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership, home preservation, advocacy, and financial education. Learn more about our housing programs here.
Why Affordable Housing Matters
In Florida, 1 in 7 families spend more than half their income on housing. We’re working hard to change that. Manatee Habitat’s diverse programs give families a path towards financial stability and the choice to remain within their communities.
“I’ve prayed for this for so long. It’s a wonderful feeling to bring your child up in a community that you helped build – it shows her that anything is possible” – Maritza G