HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. — For decades, Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside has helped families afford the home of their dreams. 

Now, the organization is expanding into Hernando County. 

Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside President and CEO Mike Sutton said the need for affordable housing in the county is significant. 

"We see families that are leaving because they can't afford to live here," he said. "So the opportunity to help families establish roots here and to live in Brooksville and Spring Hill and grow their family was really important to our organization." 

With the organization expanding into Hernando County, it is beginning to build homes for people like Kenya Pickering and her two children. 

"Every day they ask me, 'Mom, when are we moving?'" she said.  

Pickering said she was uncertain she would ever be able to afford a home of her own. 

From the high cost to issues with her credit score, she said it didn't seem possible.

"I always wanted something of our own," she said. "I'm very thankful for my apartment complex, but, feels like it's time to move on." 

Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside estimates Pickering will pay between $1,200-$1,300 a month between her mortgage, taxes and insurance. 

Her home is estimated to be built in the next four to five months. 

In the next 12 months, Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside plans to build five homes in the county.