Chamber Conversation: Habitat for Humanity St. Johns County - Turn Your Sales Tax Dollars Into a Home for a Local Family

Local businesses in St. Johns County have a way to support affordable housing while keeping their tax dollars working close to home.

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Through Florida’s Community Contribution Tax Credit program, companies can sponsor the construction of a Habitat for Humanity home, send employees to help build it and receive their contribution back through state tax credits.

Malinda Everson, executive director of Habitat for Humanity St. Johns County, has served in the role for almost nine years. Before moving to Florida, she worked for Habitat for Humanity in Michigan. She said she has long been passionate about housing and its importance for families and individuals.

How the program works

Businesses that collect $200,000 or more in sales tax can sponsor a Habitat home. The typical sponsorship is about $115,000. After the home is complete, the company applies for the tax credit.

“It acts almost like a loan to Habitat for Humanity because the business gets all the money back,” Everson said.

She said the program allows companies to keep their sales tax dollars local while supporting affordable housing.

More than a donation

Participation also includes volunteer build days. Employees work alongside Habitat staff at the construction site.

“They can come out, they help build the house,” Everson said.

Habitat provides supervision to guide volunteers and ensure quality construction.

“We take pride in the homes that we build,” she said.

No hidden downside

Everson said some business owners think the program sounds too good to be true. When asked about potential drawbacks, her response was direct: “There isn’t.”

She described it as a way to support housing in the community while involving staff in hands-on service.

“It’s an awesome opportunity to support our local housing. It’s an awesome opportunity to keep our workforce local,” Everson said.

Growing demand

Habitat for Humanity St. Johns County has increased the number of homes it builds each year, moving from four or five homes annually to about 20.

“But we need more because we are building more houses now,” Everson said.

Who Habitat serves

Everson said Habitat’s model is often misunderstood.

“We don’t give homes away. We don’t serve just the poor. We help people who need stable housing, affordable housing,” she said.

For businesses interested in participating, more information is available directly through Habitat for Humanity St. Johns County and the State of Florida’s Community Contribution Tax Credit program.

Learn more

Habitat for Humanity St. Johns County: https://habitatstjohns.org
Florida Community Contribution Tax Credit Program: https://www.floridajobs.org/business-growth-and-partnerships/for-businesses-and-entrepreneurs/business-resource/community-contribution-tax-credit-program