News Summary

Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough has initiated the construction of Windhorst Commons, a new affordable housing community in Brandon, Florida. This development includes 23 hurricane-resilient two-story homes aimed at providing safe shelter for families earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income. With funding support from Hillsborough County and community partners like Verizon, the project aims for completion by the end of 2026, addressing critical housing needs and enhancing community resilience against climate change challenges.

Brandon

Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough has officially broken ground on Windhorst Commons, a new affordable housing community in Brandon, Florida, featuring 23 hurricane-resilient two-story homes. This initiative aims to provide safe and secure housing for families in need, particularly focusing on those living at or below 80% of the Area Median Income in the region.

The construction site is strategically located on Windhorst Road, just off Parsons Avenue in the Tampa suburb. The project has received substantial financial backing, including $1.4 million from Hillsborough County and an additional $600,000 allocated for essential infrastructure developments.

The homes in Windhorst Commons are specifically designed with hurricane-resilient features such as durable hurricane shutters, block-on-block construction, and enhanced hurricane strapping. These features aim to protect future residents from the adverse effects of storms and flooding, issues that have increasingly impacted families in the region.

Funding and Community Support

The construction of Windhorst Commons has attracted support from various community partners. Verizon is among the notable sponsors, providing funding for the hurricane shutters and sponsoring one home designated for a family who lost their residence during Hurricane Helene the previous year. This gesture highlights the collaborative effort within the community to assist those affected by natural disasters.

Timeline for Completion

The timeline for the project indicates that the first home is expected to be completed within six months, with the entire community aiming for completion by the end of 2026. This development marks a significant step toward addressing the ongoing housing crisis in the Tampa Bay area.

Future Residents and Community Impact

Future residents, including families like the Nakamuras, have expressed their gratitude and optimism concerning their new homes. The families are looking forward to the stability and security that comes with having their living space, particularly for their children, who are excited about having their own rooms.

Richard Rogers, a representative from Habitat for Humanity, underlined the critical need for hurricane-resilient homes due to the growing threat of climate change and intensified storms affecting local communities. The focus on constructing strong and secure housing is an essential aspect of their mission.

Looking Ahead

Habitat for Humanity plans to use the lessons and successes from the Windhorst Commons project to expand similar hurricane-ready housing initiatives throughout the region. The ongoing commitment to providing affordable and durable housing is a priority as communities face increasing challenges related to natural disasters.

This development in Brandon not only addresses immediate housing needs but also contributes to building a safer and more resilient community for families impacted by the changing climate. With ongoing support from local partners and a dedicated mission, Habitat for Humanity is making strides toward ensuring that families have access to safe and secure homes in a hurricane-prone area.

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Additional Resources

• Fox 13 News: Habitat Humanity Builds Hurricane-Resilient Homes
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Habitat for Humanity Holiday Home Build Revival
• Tampa Bay Business Journal: Coke Florida First Habitat Home Sponsor
• Wikipedia: Habitat for Humanity
• Duke Energy News: Commitment to Affordable Housing

Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER

The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.