Manatee Habitat for Humanity Awarded Historic $750,000 State Appropriation for Palmetto Townhome Community
Manatee County Habitat for Humanity has received a historic $750,000 state appropriation to help build its next affordable townhome community in Palmetto, marking the first state funding awarded to the organization in its 32-year history.
Included in Florida’s 2026–27 state budget, the appropriation will fund critical infrastructure for Manatee Habitat’s planned townhome community, including roads, utilities, drainage and site preparation. Infrastructure work is expected to begin in early 2027, bringing the organization closer to creating additional affordable homeownership opportunities for local families.
The funding was secured with the support of Sen. Jim Boyd and Rep. Will Robinson, who championed Manatee Habitat’s appropriation request during the legislative session.
“Infrastructure is one of the most expensive barriers in building our communities, and this appropriation removes a significant obstacle, allowing us to help more local families through affordable homeownership,” said Bernie Quinn, president and CEO of Manatee County Habitat for Humanity. “We are deeply grateful to Senator Jim Boyd and Representative Will Robinson for championing this investment in our mission and our community.”
Boyd said the funding will help address the essential infrastructure costs that can often be overlooked when developing a new neighborhood.
“This investment in Manatee Habitat for Humanity paves the way to build more homes for hardworking families in Manatee County,” Boyd said. “It covers many of the unseen, but very important fundamentals for a new neighborhood, such as roads, utilities and drainage. I’m proud to support this initiative to expand opportunities for more families in our region to achieve the American Dream of homeownership.”
Robinson, who sponsored the appropriation request in the Florida House of Representatives, called the funding a significant investment in affordable homeownership in Manatee County.
“This appropriation is a historic first for Manatee County Habitat for Humanity,” Robinson said. “Habitat’s mission of ‘bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope’ will be greatly enhanced by this appropriation, as it represents a meaningful investment in affordable homeownership for families right here in our community. I’m proud to have sponsored this appropriation request in the Florida House of Representatives and am grateful to have successfully worked with Sen. Boyd to get this important matter approved in Florida’s state budget. I look forward to celebrating with everyone at the groundbreaking.”
The appropriation will help offset the significant upfront costs associated with developing an affordable housing community, allowing more private donations and other resources to be directed toward construction of homes for Habitat partner families.
Boyd has been a longtime supporter of Manatee Habitat. His office sponsored one of the first Habitat homes built by the affiliate, and members of Boyd Insurance volunteered alongside future homeowners to help construct the home.
Robinson has also been a longtime partner through his work with Blalock Walters, which has provided pro bono legal services to Manatee Habitat since the organization’s founding. Most recently, Robinson oversaw the closing of a Habitat home purchased by Bradenton homeowner Barry.
The 2026–27 state budget also represents a milestone for Habitat affiliates across Florida. According to Habitat for Humanity of Florida, every Habitat funding request submitted to the Legislature was approved, underscoring the growing recognition of affordable homeownership as a statewide priority.
About Manatee County Habitat for Humanity
Since 1994, Manatee County Habitat for Humanity has partnered with hardworking families, volunteers, donors, and community partners to build safe, affordable homes that provide a foundation for strength, stability, and self-reliance. Through affordable homeownership, Habitat helps families build equity, create generational wealth, and strengthen communities throughout Manatee County. Learn more at manateehabitat.org.