Tourism & Hospitality and HSAA Councils: A Place to Call Home - The Status of Attainable Housing in St. Johns County

Description

Join the CHamber's Tourism & Hospitality Council and HSAAC for a discussion on A Place to Call Home: The Status of Attainable Housing in St. Johns County. Bill Lazar, executive director of the St. Johns Housing Partnership, and Malinda Everson, executive director of Habitat for Humanity St. Augustine/St. Johns County, will share insights on housing affordability and its impact on workforce stability and quality of life in our community.

About the speakers:

Bill Lazar | Executive Director, St. Johns Housing Partnership

Bill Lazar is the executive director of the St. Johns Housing Partnership, leading efforts to improve housing affordability and quality of life in St. Johns County. With over three decades of experience in housing and community development, he works to ensure everyone has access to a safe, stable, and affordable home.

A licensed contractor and University of Florida graduate, Bill oversees projects on more than 200 homes each year, from repairs and energy upgrades to new affordable housing. He played a key role in creating Patriot Place, a housing community for at-risk and formerly homeless veterans. Bill’s dedication has earned him multiple honors, including the Jean Diggs Weatherization Champion Award from the National Association for State Community Services Program, the Legacy Award for Intergenerational Services from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, and the Regional Energy Star Award for Excellence in Energy Efficient Affordable Housing.

Malinda Everson | Executive Director | Habitat for Humanity St. Augustine/St. Johns County

Malinda Everson is passionate about expanding access to affordable housing and has served as Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of St. Augustine/St. Johns County since 2017. In this role, she leads the organization’s efforts to develop safe, affordable homeownership opportunities for families throughout the community. Under her leadership, Habitat St. Johns completed Canopy Oaks, an 18-home affordable housing neighborhood, and is currently developing Volusia Woods, a 36-home community that will expand access to affordable housing for local families.

Throughout her career, Malinda has worked in the housing industry in multiple capacities, including as a licensed real estate agent and building contractor. Prior to relocating to Florida, she served with Genesee County Habitat for Humanity in Flint, Mich., where she spent four years with the organization, including two years as executive director.

Malinda is actively engaged in community leadership and has served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, including the YMCA of Greater Flint, the St. Johns County Continuum of Care, and the Limelight Theatre.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Gold Sponsor - $250

• Recognition as Gold Sponsor of 1 session
• 2 reserved seats 
• Opportunity to offer promotional items/information to attendees
• Opportunity to address attendees and promote company (3 minutes)
• Post-event, receive a list of attendees with email addresses
• Name/logo recognition in promotional emails
• Logo and link on chamber website

Silver Sponsor - $100

• Available exclusively to Entrepreneur and Business Builder members
• Recognition as Silver Sponsor of 1 session
• 2 reserved seats
• Opportunity to address attendees and promote company (3 minutes)
• Name/logo recognition in promotional emails
• Logo and link on chamber website

The Historic St. Augustine Area Council of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce serves as the unified voice for businesses in Historic Downtown, advocating for the unique needs of the area's business community. The council is designed to foster collaboration among businesses, support economic growth, promote the preservation of St. Augustine's rich heritage and provide valuable resources and networking opportunities to enhance business success in this iconic destination.