Mike Sutton, President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside has served over 930 homeowner partners since 1985. The affiliate serves Pinellas, West Pasco, and Hernando Counties. Volunteers and future homeowners construct the homes, which are sold and financed with a zero-interest loan. Habitat homeowner candidates earn 30 to 80 percent of the area median income. Candidates must demonstrate the need for adequate shelter; the ability to pay back a zero-interest loan and the willingness to partner with Habitat to complete a robust homebuyer education curriculum and invest 350 to 450 “sweat equity” hours. Mortgage monies are used to build even more homes, making each donation to Habitat a perpetual legacy to the community. Habitat believes that homeownership contributes to family stability, leading, in turn, to community stability.