Our History
2025
Habitat Rebrands to Habitat Tampa Bay Gulfside
After expanding its service area to include Hernando County, a rebranding awareness campaign is launched to unveil a new name: Habitat Tampa Bay Gulfside. The first home was built in Hernando County. Also, Habitat's Women Build was reimagined to bring together female leaders of the community to build a home for a woman-led family.
The 4th annual CEO Build raises over $300,000 and brought together 75 CEOs to build a home for the Simmons Family. Led by honorary chairs Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt, the build was features on HGTV's 100 Day Dream Home.2024
Habitat Selected for Expansion
Habitat International selects Habitat Pinellas and West Pasco to expand its service area to include Hernando County in order to serve more families in the community. Habitat's 900th home is built in the Dansville-Ridgecrest community for the Jones family. The annual Golfing Fore Habitat tournament is rebranded to a Topgolf Tournament and over $1 million is raised at the Habitat Glow Gala. Both Habitat ReStores close in order to provide the affiliate the ability to be singularly focused on the homeownership program.
2023
800th Home & Admin HQ Expansion
Habitat celebrated its 800th home built in the community with the Clayton Family in Lealman. The Admin Office was expanded and an Admin HQ Expansion Open House was held to celebrate the addition and another record year of 73 homes built locally and internationally. Increased homeowner education curriculum to 36 classes to better prepare homeowner candidates for their next chapter.
2022
ReStore Opening & CEO Build Launched
The Habitat ReStore New Port Richey held it’s grand opening in May. The affiliate closed out its fiscal year with another record year with 67 families served locally and 67 served internationally. Successfully launched the inaugural CEO Build through which $140,000 was raised by 55 CEOs committed to creating affordable homeownership opportunities. Habitat continued it’s partnership with Kids Pedal Power to present 107 bikes to Habitat children on their dedication day.
2021
New Admin HQ & Record Year
The affiliate closed out its fiscal year with a record of 60 families served locally and 60 served internationally. Habitat opened a new Administrative HQ to allow for the build out of a dedicate Homeowner Education Center and Homeowner Selection Area in its Clearwater location.
2020
600th Home Built & COVID-19
Despite the COVID 19 Pandemic, Habitat continued to move its mission forward with 61 deserving families served in the calendar year. Habitat Pinellas and West Pasco dedicates its 600th home to the Gordon family in Ridgecrest.
2019
Habitat Pinellas & West Pasco Affiliates Merge
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.
2018
500th home
Habitat Pinellas dedicates its 500th home to the Currie family in St. Petersburg.
2017
400th home
Habitat Pinellas dedicates the 400th home in Pinellas County.
2014
300th home
Habitat Pinellas dedicates its 300th home in St. Petersburg.
2013
Global Village & Blitz Build
The first Habitat Pinellas Global Village trip sent 10 volunteers to Guatemala for a weeklong build. Also, Habitat Pinellas’ annual Blitz Build completes two homes in seven days using 500 community volunteers.
2010
25th Anniversary & First Multi-Home Development
Habitat Pinellas celebrates its 25th anniversary and its fourth consecutive four-star rating. Also, the first multi-family development is built and the Showcase Home is opened for visitors.
2009
Operation REhabitat & Blitz Build
Operation REhabitat launches. Habitat Pinellas focuses efforts on renovating distressed mortgage properties due to the housing market collapse. Also, a weeklong, two-home Blitz Build takes place during Super Bowl XLIII. The home is built in a box and donated to the Pittsburg Habitat affiliate.
2008
200th Home & Stevens Creek
The first Energy Star Certified home is built, which becomes the 200th house built for Habitat Pinellas. Also, Homer Villas is purchased in Clearwater and rebuilt as Stevens Creek. Over 50 homes are built.
2006
Home Built in 5 Days
Professional building teams complete a Habitat Pinellas home in just five days — the fastest home build ever completed at this time.
2004
ReStore Opens & First Mortgage Paid
The ReStore, Habitat Pinellas’s home improvement outlet, opens its doors. Also, the first homeowner, Jane Dunaway, pays off and burns her mortgage, vowing to continue volunteering and helping others.
2003
100th Home Built
In February, Habitat Pinellas completes its 100th house for a family located in St. Petersburg.
1990
Habitat Expands Outside St. Pete
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.
1985
Habitat Pinellas Builds First Home
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.
1984
Habitat Pinellas is Founded
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.
1976
Habitat for Humanity is founded
Millard and Linda Fuller start Habitat for Humanity International (HfHI) in Americus, Georgia.
Milestones
2023
The affiliate closed out its fiscal year on June 30th, and celebrated a record year with 73 families served locally and 73 served internationally with an Admin HQ Expansion Open House. Habitat celebrated its 800th home built in the community with the Clayton Family in Lealman. Successfully hosted the second annual CEO Build through which $160,000 was raised by 55 CEOs committed to creating affordable homeownership opportunities. Habitat continued it’s partnership with Kids Pedal Power to present 116 bikes to Habitat children on their dedication day. Increased homeowner education curriculum to 36 classes to better prepare homeowner candidates for their next chapter.
2022
The Habitat ReStore New Port Richey held it’s grand opening in May. The affiliate closed out its fiscal year on June 30th, and celebrated a record year with 67 families served locally and 67 served internationally. Successfully launched the inaugural CEO Build through which $140,000 was raised by 55 CEOs committed to creating affordable homeownership opportunities. Habitat continued it’s partnership with Kids Pedal Power to present 107 bikes to Habitat children on their dedication day. Increased homeowner education curriculum to 32 classes to better prepare homeowner candidates for their next chapter.
2021
The Habitat ReStore Palm Harbor was reopened in March. Habitat prepares for its 700th Home Milestone in August. The affiliate closed out its fiscal year on June 30th, and celebrated a record year with 60 families served locally and 60 served internationally. Habitat opened a new Administrative HQ to allow for the build out of a dedicate Homeowner Education Center and Homeowner Selection Area in its Clearwater location. Mike Sutton, President & CEO was recognized on the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Power 100 list.
2020
Despite the COVID 19 Pandemic, Habitat continued to move its mission forward with 61 deserving families served in the calendar year. The Habitat ReStores were nominated for Sustany Foundation’s Sustainable Business Award. The affiliate was recognized for the third year by the Tampa Bay Business Journal as a One Tampa Bay honoree. Habitat Pinellas and West Pasco dedicates its 600th home to the Gordon family in Ridgecrest.
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. Habitat received the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce CYP Award of Excellence and was recognized as the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber Nonprofit of the Year.
2018
Habitat Pinellas dedicates its 500th home to the Currie family in St. Petersburg. The affiliate was recognized as Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit of the Year and a Tampa Bay Business Journal One Tampa Bay Honoree.
2017
Habitat Pinellas dedicates the 400th home in Pinellas County and wins Tampa Bay Business Journals Nonprofit of the Year in “Public and Societal Benefit” category. Awarded Charity Navigator 4 star rating for the 11th consecutive year.
2016
Habitat Pinellas is a finalist for Tampa Bay Business Journal’s “Best Places to Work Awards” and receives the “Nonprofit of the Year” award at the Pinellas Park/Gateway Chamber Awards and Installation banquet.
2015
Habitat Pinellas turns 30. Also, Charity Navigator awards Habitat Pinellas its ninth consecutive four-star rating and is named HSN’s “Partner of the Year.”
2014
Habitat Pinellas dedicates its 300th home in St. Petersburg. The Environmental Protection Agency awards Habitat Pinellas a national Energy Star Award and Raymond James Financial names Habitat Pinellas as “Partner of the Year.”
2013
The first Habitat Pinellas Global Village trip sent 10 volunteers to Guatemala for a weeklong build. Also, Habitat Pinellas’ annual Blitz Build completes two homes in seven days using 500 community volunteers.
2012
Habitat Pinellas dedicates its 250th home and Habitat President/CEO, Barbara Inman, is named “Nonprofit Woman of the Year” by the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce.
2011
Habitat Pinellas relocates its administrative offices and ReStore to a larger facility in Clearwater. Also, over 600 volunteers participate in the Habitat Pinellas’s “Blitz Build” and builds two homes in one week.
2010
Habitat Pinellas celebrates its 25th anniversary and its fourth consecutive four-star rating. Also, the first multi-family development is built and the Showcase Home is opened for visitors.
2009
Operation REhabitat launches. Habitat Pinellas focuses efforts on renovating distressed mortgage properties due to the housing market collapse. Also, a weeklong, two-home Blitz Build takes place during Super Bowl XLIII. The home is built in a box and donated to the Pittsburg Habitat affiliate.
2008
The first Energy Star Certified home is built, which becomes the 200th house built for Habitat Pinellas. Also, Homer Villas is purchased in Clearwater and rebuilt as Stevens Creek. Over 50 homes are built.
2007
More than 400 women volunteer to build a house for the Habitat Pinellas. Also, Habitat Pinellas receives Charity Navigator four-star rating.
2006
Habitat Pinellas receives a Bank of America Neighborhood Builder Award. Also, professional building teams complete a Habitat Pinellas home in just five days — the fastest home build ever completed at this time.
2004
The ReStore, Habitat Pinellas’s home improvement outlet, opens its doors. Also, the first homeowner, Jane Dunaway, pays off and burns her mortgage, vowing to continue volunteering and helping others.
2003
In February, Habitat Pinellas completes its 100th house for a family located in St. Petersburg.
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.
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.
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.
1976
Millard and Linda Fuller start Habitat for Humanity International (HfHI) in Americus, Georgia.
Accolades
2024
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas & West Pasco Counties was recognized by the Pinellas Park Chamber of Commerce as the Large Business of the Year at their annual recognition gala.
Mike Sutton, President & CEO was recognized on the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Power 100 list for the fourth year in a row, as a USF Fast 56 Award Recipient for the second year in a row, and as a Tampa Bay Business & Wealth Apogee Award Finalist.
For the second consecutive year, Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas & West Pasco Counties is recognized in the Large Category (50-99 employees) for the 2024 Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Best Places to Work.
Todd St. John Fulton, Chief People & Culture Officer, was recognized as a 2024 Tampa Bay Business Journal Business of Pride Honoree.
Habitat received the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency on GuideStar, the highest possible level of recognition.
For the third year in a row, Habitat is recognized as the Energy Star Partner of the Year Award Winner.
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas & West Pasco Counties is recognized as a 2024 Tampa Bay Times Top Workplace.
For the 2nd year in a row, Habitat is named the 2024 Large Business of the Year by the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce.
Habitat Pinellas & West Pasco is recognized as the 2024 Orlando Health Community Partner of the Year Recipient.
For a second year, Habitat has been recognized as a USF Fast 56 recipient – an award that identifies, recognizes, and celebrates the world’s fastest-growing USF Bull-owned or Bull-led businesses.
Habitat is named a Tampa Bay Times Best of the Best Finalist in the New Home Builder category for the second year in a row.
President & CEO, Mike Sutton is recognized in the inaugural Tampa Titan 100 Awards Class of 2024 which recognizes the top 100 CEOs and C-level executives in the Tampa Bay region.
The Tampa Bay Business & Wealth Magazine recognizes President & CEO, Mike Sutton, as an Apogee Award finalist in the CEO category.
Habitat receives the Amplify Clearwater 2024 Business Excellence Award at the Amplify Clearwater Annual Awards recognizing the highest performing business of 25+ employees involved with the Clearwater chamber.
2023
Mike Sutton, President & CEO was recognized on the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Power 100 list for the third year in a row.
Habitat Pinellas and West Pasco was presented with the John 6:9 Award from Habitat International, recognizing the affiliate’s lifetime tithe that totals more than $3M+.
Our affiliate was recognized at the 2023 Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit of the Year.
Tampa Bay Business Journal recognizes Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties as a One Tampa Bay Honoree for the fifth consecutive year in a row.
Amplify Clearwater recognizes Habitat with the Environmental Steward Award at the 2023 Stellar Awards.
Habitat is named the winner of the Tampa Bay Times Best of the Best Awards, in the new home building category.
Mike Sutton, President & CEO is recognized as a USF Fast 56 honoree which recognizes and celebrates the world’s fastest growing USF Bull-owned or Bull-led businesses.
Habitat was celebrated as a finalist for the Business Impact award from the Pasco EDC.
Habitat Homeowner and Board Member, Davisha Earley, is recognized with the Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hero award.
Habitat for Humanity was the recipient of the Large Community Conscious Award at the 2023 Good ‘Burger Awards.
Habitat received the Energy Star Partner of the Year Award for their energy saving construction techniques.
2022
Recognized as Largest Habitat Affiliate based on new home builds across 945 US affiliates
Habitat’s Chief Construction Officer, Gaby Camacho, was recognized by the St. Petersburg Civitan Club with their 2022 Four Chaplains Award
Our affiliate is awarded the 2022 ENERGY STAR® Market Leader Award in recognition of our contribution to building energy-efficient new homes that have earned ENERGY STAR certification
Chief People & Culture Officer, Todd St. John-Fulton, was named the winner of the Chief Human Resources Officer of the year award at the Tampa Bay Business & Wealth Magazine’s 2022 Apogee Awards
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas & West Pasco Counties was honored by Amplify Clearwater (the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce) with the 2022 Nonprofit Excellent Award
Tampa Bay Business Journal recognizes Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties as a One Tampa Bay Honoree for the fourth consecutive year in a row.
Morgan Brochetti, Chief External Relations Officer, recognized as the the 2022 Sue Ellen Richardson Rookie of the Year with Tampa Bay PRSA
Received the 2022 Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce Service Organization of the Year Award
2021
Tampa Bay Business Journal recognizes Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties as a One Tampa Bay Honoree. The affiliate is the 2nd largest based on new home builds across 1,100 US affiliates. Mike Sutton, President & CEO, is recognized on Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Power 100 List. Habitat ReStores nominated for Sustany Foundation’s Sustainable Business Award. Habitat was recognized as Amplify Clearwater’s inaugural Culture Creator award recipient.
2020
The Suncoast Chapter Building Officials Association of Florida awards Habitat with the Community Service Award and a $2,500 donation. Habitat receives a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.
2019
Habitat received the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce CYP Award of Excellence and was recognized as the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber Nonprofit of the Year. The affiliate is the 3rd largest homebuilder among 1,200 Habitat affiliates across the country. Habitat Pinellas & West Pasco was announced as Nonprofit of the Year by the Pinellas Park Chamber of Commerce.
2018
The affiliate was recognized as Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit of the Year and a Tampa Bay Business Journal One Tampa Bay Honoree. Habitat receives the GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest level of level achievable. Habitat President & CEO, Mike Sutton, received the 2018 Roy Deeb Service Award at the Annual ALPHA House of Pinellas County Luncheon.
2017
Habitat Pinellas wins Tampa Bay Business Journals Nonprofit of the Year in “Public and Societal Benefit” category. Awarded Charity Navigator 4 star rating for the 11th consecutive year.
2016
Habitat Pinellas is a finalist for Tampa Bay Business Journal’s “Best Places to Work Awards” and receives the “Nonprofit of the Year” award at the Pinellas Park/Gateway Chamber Awards and Installation banquet. The Palm Harbor Chamber of Commerce names Habitat as the Nonprofit of the Year.
2015
Habitat Pinellas turns 30. Also, Charity Navigator awards Habitat Pinellas its ninth consecutive four-star rating and is named HSN’s “Partner of the Year.”
2014
The Environmental Protection Agency awards Habitat Pinellas a national Energy Star Award and Raymond James Financial names Habitat Pinellas as “Partner of the Year.”
2012
Habitat President & CEO, Barbara Inman, is named “Nonprofit Woman of the Year” by the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce.
2010
Habitat Pinellas celebrates its 25th anniversary and its fourth consecutive four-star rating.
2007
Habitat Pinellas receives a Charity Navigator four-star rating.
2006
Habitat Pinellas receives a Bank of America Neighborhood Builder Award.