Fifty-four families have keys to new homes at Longlake Preserve, a Habitat for Humanity neighborhood on the Clearwater-Largo border.

Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside welcomed the final five families into the development during a completion celebration Friday, according to Fox 13 Tampa Bay. The organization called it its largest neighborhood project in recent years.

Six phases, 54 homes since 2023

The community includes 52 townhomes and two single-family houses, built in six phases after construction began in December 2023. Each buyer completed Habitat's homeownership program and bought with a 0% interest mortgage.

"The completion of Longlake Preserve is a truly special milestone for Habitat and, most importantly, for the 54 families who now have a safe, affordable place to call home," President and CEO Mike Sutton said, according to the station.

State, county and private partners backed construction

The project was paid for through the Penny for Pinellas program and state appropriations. The state of Florida, Pinellas County, the city of Largo, local businesses and nonprofit supporters all partnered on the project. Verizon committed additional money to strengthen the homes against future storms.

Homeowners, volunteers, elected leaders and donors attended the event.

Habitat Tampa Bay Gulfside has served more than 1,000 homeowner families since 1985 across Pinellas, west Pasco and Hernando counties. The organization said mortgage payments from current homeowners help fund future construction.

Homeowners share why they are building

Stephan Thomas, a Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority bus driver for seven years and father of six, is among this year's Habitat families. He wrote in his Habitat homeowner profile that he and his wife, Samantha, wanted to provide long-term stability for their children. Jade Farmer, a teacher assistant with Pinellas County Schools, said in her own profile, "I'm building because the future of our family will be secure."

Habitat said it will continue building affordable homes throughout its three-county service area.