St. Jude Great Commission CDC was formed in 2016 to expand economic prosperity and alleviate poverty in St. Petersburg. St. Jude GC CDC develops affordable housing, connects residents to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, and provides life skills education. President and CEO Jo Ann S. Nesbitt says, “Our primary goal is to help families build generational wealth while making our neighborhoods great places to live!”

With a revolving line of credit from Florida Community Loan Fund, St. Jude GC CDC is constructing 10 new for-sale homes for low- and moderate- income families across south St. Petersburg. The CDC acquired lots through donations from the City of St. Petersburg’s Affordable Lot Disposition Program, allowing the organization to pass on these savings to future homebuyers.

In addition to providing new housing, St. Jude GC CDC offers financial literacy classes, provides referrals to financial counselors, and connects residents with down payment and closing cost assistance resources. The organization will also offer workshops in home maintenance to help first-time homebuyers and families build solid and lasting foundations for successful homeownership.

In August 2024, Ms. Morris became a first time homeowner through St. Jude GC CDC’s affordable homeownership programs and moved into her new affordable home along with her two sons and daughter. Ms. Morris works as an LPN at a local hospital and began working with St. Jude in 2022 through its Welcome H.O.M.E. Program. She was also a St. Petersburg Housing Authority resident, participating in the Housing Authority’s Self-Sufficiency program. Her desire to be a homeowner matched her hard work and persistence, overcoming many challenges. But in the end, she achieved her goal of home ownership and began her journey of building generational wealth.

“Homeownership has long been the means by which families have supported themselves and secured futures for their children. St. Jude will not waiver in efforts to help low- and moderate-income families own a home. This is economic justice and one of the main reasons we do what we do! We are so thankful Florida Community Loan Fund is working with us to provide homeownership opportunities within our community.” – Jo Ann S. Nesbitt, President & CEO

FCLF IMPACT

• $470,000 FCLF revolving line of credit
• 10 new affordable single-family homes

Learn more about FCLF and St. Jude Great Commission CDC

Visit St. Jude Great Commission CDC website: www.stjudegreatcommissioncdc.org

Pictured above, new homeowner Ms. Morris and one of her sons. Below, Third Federal Savings loan officer, Mary Pasquarello, homeowners, and Jo Ann S. Nesbitt from St. Jude Great Commission CDC