Habitat's 40th anniversary

new name, more homes, greater impact

This year marks our organization’s 40th anniversary, and a historical year where we celebrated the construction of our 1,000th home in the community. It’s an exciting time as we help individuals and families achieve the dream of affordable homeownership and build intergenerational wealth.

On September 11th, 2025, we celebrated with nearly 1,000 Habitat supporters at our 40th Anniversary Celebration presented by WestCMR. Together with the entire Habitat family, we gathered to celebrate 40 years of impact and enjoy an exclusive first look at the HGTV 100 Day Dream Home episode featuring a Habitat family. Special thanks to our emcee, Casey Phillips, and our hosts, Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt!

view photos from the event

watch the episode now!

Catch the inspiring story of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside and a local family’s journey to building their dream home—
now available on HGTV and streaming platforms. Don’t miss this heartwarming celebration of community, hope, and home.

We cannot complete our important work without our community.
There are several ways to get involved:

  • APPLY – Could you or someone you know benefit from the Habitat program?
  • DONATE – We offer many donation opportunities such as monetary donations, stocks and bonds, IRAs, sponsorships, land, car, and cryptocurrency.
  • VOLUNTEER – Build your team while building with Habitat – sign up for exclusive build days with your business or organization.
  • ADVOCATE – Help us advocate for the advancement of affordable homeownership through legislation and policy on a local, state, and national level.

Learn more about our pillars by clicking on the boxes below:

history of habitat for humanity
tampa bay gulfside

1976

Millard and Linda Fuller start Habitat for Humanity International (HfHI) in Americus, Georgia.

1984

Habitat Pinellas is conceptualized at a meeting of the St. Petersburg Ministerial Association by Reverend Bob Gemmer. Reverend James Schwarzlose of the First Congregational Church of St. Petersburg is named Executive Director.

1985

Habitat Pinellas breaks ground on their very first home. The homeowner was required to put in 1,000 hours of sweat equity. Also, Habitat Pinellas is recognized as an HfHI affiliate.

1990

The very first home outside of St. Petersburg is built in Clearwater. It is the 15th home ever for Habitat Pinellas. More homes in Safety Harbor, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs and Pinellas Park soon follow.

2003

In February, Habitat Pinellas completes its 100th house for a family located in St. Petersburg.

2008

The first Energy Star Certified home is built, which becomes the 200th house built for Habitat Pinellas.

2014

Habitat Pinellas dedicates its 300th home in St. Petersburg.

2017

Habitat Pinellas dedicates the 400th home in Pinellas County.

2018

Habitat Pinellas dedicates its 500th home to the Currie family in St. Petersburg.

2019

Habitat Pinellas and the West Pasco affiliate merge to become Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties. The merger allows the affiliate to expand its service area and serve families and individuals in need. The affiliate broke ground on Tellor Estates, a 75-home development in Pinellas Park. 

2021

Habitat celebrates its 700th Home Milestone for the Sakers family in the Tellor Estates development in Pinellas Park. A new Administrative HQ was opened to allow for the build out of a dedicate Homeowner Education Center and Homeowner Selection Area in its Clearwater location.

2023

Habitat celebrates its 800th home built in the community with the Clayton Family in the Lealman community of St. Petersburg.

2024

Habitat International selected Habitat Pinellas and West Pasco to expand their service area to include Hernando County in order to serve more families in our community. The affiliate is rebranded to Habitat Tampa Bay Gulfside to accurately reflect their new service area. Habitat celebrated its 900th home built in the community with the Jones Family in the historic Dansville-Ridgecrest community in Largo.

2025

Habitat prepares for its 1,000th home milestone and 40th anniversary celebrations.