May 5, 2026
Habitat Expands Homeownership Opportunities with 55+ Community in Tavares
By Fred Griffin Jr.
Habitat Expands Homeownership Opportunities with 55+ Community in Tavares
Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter is expanding access to affordable housing with the development of a unique 55+ community designed to serve working families in the region.
The Cottages at Heritage Grove features 23 cottage-style homes and townhomes, each approximately 730 square feet. The neighborhood marks the first age-qualified (55+) community built by Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter, offering a new approach to attainable homeownership in Lake County.
To qualify, applicants must live or work in Lake or Sumter counties, meet the state’s 55+ designation, have a household income at or below 80% of the area median income, meet a target credit score of 640 and qualify for an affordable mortgage. Homebuyers are also required to partner with Habitat by completing sweat equity hours.
“Spring is always my favorite time at Habitat. We are wrapping up our fiscal year, so we get to celebrate our homeowners moving in and the success of the builds for our students while simultaneously planning and preparing for our next round of homebuyers,” President and CEO Danielle Stroud says.
Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter, a nonprofit organization, has served the community since 1989, focusing on providing access to quality housing for working families. This fiscal year, the organization completed 18 single-family homes across Lake and Sumter counties.
Through its homeownership program, Habitat provides guidance throughout the buying process, helping families secure affordable mortgages. A key component is sweat equity, where future homeowners contribute time through volunteer work and educational courses, including financial literacy and first-time homebuyer classes.
In addition to new construction, Habitat offers a Preservation and Repair program, helping homeowners maintain safe and accessible living conditions, and operates ReStores that sell donated furniture, appliances and home goods. Proceeds from those stores support local housing efforts.
Applications for the Heritage Grove community are now open. Applications for additional site-built homes are expected to open in mid-May 2026.
For more information, visit habitatls.org.
Fred Griffin Jr. is a devoted husband, proud father of two daughters and a committed community leader who enjoys traveling. With more than two decades of experience supporting individuals with developmental and mental disabilities, he is deeply passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. He holds advanced credentials in Business Administration, a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Theology.
