ORLANDO, Fla. — Orange County leaders gave their stamp of approval for Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando and Osceola County to expand their work.

What You Need To Know

Orange County commissioners approved a $1.5 million agreement to acquire land for Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando and Osceola County

Habitat Orlando and Osceola staff say they can build between 25 to 35 homes with that amount

An additional $1.5 million was approved for the group to replace roofs on 80 of their homes 

Commissioners approved a $1.5 million agreement to acquire land, so Habitat Orlando and Osceola staff can build between 25 to 35 single-family homes for low-to-moderate-income families. The funds come from the county’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

The group’s growth management officer says acquiring the land will allow them to build homes for families in areas like Holden Heights, Parramore and east Orange County.

“Our objective is to serve as many people through affordable home ownership as possible. And to do that, we have to get so creative, and that money will allow us to continue doing that, to think outside the box, to see how many people we can serve through those funds,” said Lucie Ghioto.

Ghioto says that an increase in development has made it harder to find affordable land.

“The ability to keep those homes affordable to build, it’s getting harder and harder, and so that’s when we really rely on partnerships like Orange County to help us keep doing what we’re doing,” Ghioto said.

Angela Steward moved into her home this summer, thanks to help from Habitat Orlando and Osceola.

“When you’re living paycheck to paycheck in this economy, you’re one paycheck away from being in your car, so I’m grateful, very grateful, very humble,” said Steward.

Group staff say they’ve sold 18 homes this year, with another 16 in the process. In their last fiscal year, more than 2,300 people participated in one or more of its programs.

County commissioners also approved another $1.5 million for Habitat Orlando and Osceola to replace roofs on 80 homes. It will be free for homeowners in unincorporated Orange County.