Aspiring homeowners learned more about purchasing one of 56 single-family homes as part of an upcoming South Apopka affordable housing community during a Monday, August 22, information session at the John Bridges Community Center.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando distributed pre-qualification applications at the information session, explained the application process and the criteria for joining the non-profit organization’s homeownership program. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando’s pre-qualification period ends Wednesday, August 31.

Other than Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando, Orange County has partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Seminole County and Greater Apopka and Homes in Partnership to create New Horizons (formerly known as Hawthorne Village), an affordable housing subdivision that will get developed on 13th Street in South Apopka.

Gregory Allen-Anderson, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando chief program officer, introduces his non-profit organization to residents at the August 22 information session.
Gregory Allen-Anderson, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando chief program officer, introduces his non-profit organization to residents at the August 22 information session.

The difference between New Horizons and Hawthorne Village, a 70-unit project, is that whereas Hawthorne Village was a rental, New Horizons will provide opportunities for homeownership.

These houses will not be given away for free, however. Habitat for Humanity requires potential homeowners to put in sweat equity and be able to repay their monthly mortgage on their new abodes in a timely fashion, as well as meet other criteria.

Although Orange County has partnered with Habitat for Humanity before, New Horizons marks the first time the Greater Orlando, and the Seminole County and Greater Apopka groups have teamed up on a project. New Horizons is also the first time both are doing a subdivision.

Impact fees that were paid when the development was Hawthorne Village will be grandfathered into New Horizons, thus keeping the price of each house relatively low.

Those who are interested in applying may call Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando at 407-648-4567, ext. 201.

Read more about the information session in the August 26 edition of The Apopka Chief