Graceland Fruit has partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Benzie County to build quality housing in the Benzie County area! Graceland Fruit and Benzie Habitat for Humanity signed a memorandum of understanding on September 21, 2022 for the joint development of affordable workforce housing in the area.
The lack of quality housing in the Benzie County area is a massive problem and its effects can be felt throughout the community. The shortage of affordable housing hinders growth and the ability to attract and retain qualified employees. Benzie Habitat recognizes this problem and partners with others to build affordable homes.
Graceland Fruit and Benzie Habitat will work together to build an affordable, attractive, new neighborhood of single-family homes. The first phase of development is expected to have around 23 homesites, which can expand up to 65 sites based on demand. The joint venture will be responsible for developing the neighborhood, which includes obtaining the required grants, financing, permits, construction, family selection, and homeowner financing.
“We at Graceland Fruit have been working on various affordable housing concepts for the past year or so,” said Jonathan Ball, Chairman of Graceland Fruit, Inc., “We are very excited to be entering into this partnership with Habitat for Humanity, an organization that knows better than anyone the need in our community and who has the skill set to address it.” Glen Tracy, Habitat for Humanity of Benzie County President added, “Our organization is always looking for community partners, and we’re very pleased to be embarking on this venture with a long-standing, committed local employer like Graceland Fruit.”
More details of the development are forthcoming, but a tentative timeline calls for construction to begin spring 2023. We are so excited to be partnering with Benzie Habitat for this community-changing project! Read more about Habitat for Humanity of Benzie county here.
