Habitat for Humanity Breaks Ground on Hurricane-Resilient Development in Brandon, Florida
BRANDON, Fla. — As hurricane season looms, Habitat for Humanity has launched a significant initiative aimed at providing safe and affordable housing for families affected by natural disasters. The organization has officially broken ground on Windhorst Commons, a new community development in Brandon that will consist of 23 homes specifically designed to withstand hurricane conditions. This project stands as part of a broader strategy to aid families still recovering from previous storms, notably Hurricane Milton, which left significant damage in its wake.
Windhorst Commons is expected to provide not only housing but also peace of mind in a region prone to severe weather disturbances. For many residents, like Michelle Range, this development symbolizes a new chapter, especially after experiencing the harsh repercussions of flooding during Hurricane Milton. Range shared her personal journey through this recovery process, highlighting the emotional turmoil of losing nearly all her possessions to the storm. “Going through that process has been nothing but scary,” she stated, recounting her uncertainty about the future and housing stability.
In an uplifting twist, Range celebrated the groundbreaking on her birthday, marking the occasion as a “major blessing.” Her new home is designed to be handicap-accessible for her son and incorporates features like hurricane shutters, which are essential for promoting long-term stability and safety for families in hurricane-prone areas. “The stability of having my own home, something for my family, something that we’ll have forever—a legacy,” Range remarked.
Construction on these homes is expected to continue over the next six months, contingent on weather conditions. Despite the ongoing hurricane season, Habitat for Humanity remains committed to pressing forward with this essential housing project. Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers emphasized the importance of Windhorst Commons in addressing the pressing housing affordability crisis faced by many residents in the region. “Hillsborough County Government will continue to help families and partner with organizations so that more families have the opportunity to own their largest asset,” she stated, reinforcing the collaborative effort to improve housing access.
The event also coincided with a rebranding effort for the organization, which is now officially known as Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough. This new name reflects a growing commitment to serve the broader community as they expand their outreach across the county. The establishment of Windhorst Commons exemplifies a proactive approach in creating resilient communities capable of withstanding future natural disasters while enhancing overall living conditions for families in need.
