Eli Rushing made his dream of homeownership in Downtown Pensacola a reality this week.
His new home is the first of three affordable or workforce housing opportunities to be sold through the Pensacola Habitat for Humanity Blueprint to Homeownership Program, a public-private partnership among the city, Northwest Florida Community Land Trust, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity and the Home Builders Association of West Florida. Through the program, 24-year-old Rushing experienced a day that he thought would never come.
“We were looking for something in downtown for under $300,000,” Rushing said. “We were wanting to buy a house eventually, but never thought it would happen — until we saw the sign.”
The Blueprint to Homeownership program is part of the City’s commitment to increasing access to quality housing for all residents within the city limits, making homeownership more accessible to everyone.
“Shared equity models like the partnership with the Community Land Trust allow for a more equitable and inclusive future for all income levels as we work collaboratively to create permanently affordable housing stock,” said Betsy McDonald, City Housing Director. “Th Blueprint to Homeownership helps people like Eli build their lives in the city they know and love.”
Homes sold through the Blueprint to Homeownership are transformed into high-quality, affordable housing opportunities, enabling more families to become homeowners in Pensacola. By partnering with trusted local organizations, the City seeks to develop sustainable housing solutions that improve neighborhoods and foster community growth.
“So many different people and organizations made this happen,” Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves said. “This is the first residence that’s permanently affordable in the history of the City of Pensacola.”
Northwest Florida Community Land Trust, Pensacola Habitat and HBA West Florida oversee the construction and rehabilitation process, ensuring that the homes meet high standards of affordability and quality.
This project and its use of the Community Land Trust model, which ensures affordable housing by separating land ownership from structure ownership, represents another step toward addressing rising housing costs and supporting economic development in Pensacola.
“We’re always thankful to have strong civic and corporate partners who are aligned with our mission,” said Pensacola Habitat President and CEO Sam Young. “Thanks to the City and the Home Builders Association, homebuyers like Eli can afford opportunities that would have otherwise been inaccessible. This is a tremendous win for affordable housing in our community.”
In 2024, the city donated three lots to the Northwest Florida Community Land Trust to build new or rehabilitated homes at affordable price points. Currently, the home at 2300 W. Jackson St. is still available.
Jennifer Mancini, executive officer of HBA West Florida, called the project a powerful example of what can happen when institutions come together with the shared goal of helping the community.
“HBA is proud to be part of initiatives like this to help make the American Dream of homeownership more accessible in Pensacola,” Mancini said. “The builder, Amir Fooladi, and all of our member donors delivered a beautiful, well-constructed home. Quality construction matters and this home reflects the care and craftsmanship every homeowner deserves. We look forward to seeing many more families benefit from this impactful program in the years ahead.”
Visit https://pensacolahabitat.org/
