WIMAUMA, Fla. — A $240,000 grant from the Housing Assistance Council will boost the development of affordable housing in Wimauma. 

Magnolia Garden Square, a new community of 38 Villas and townhomes, is slated to be built by Florida Home Partnership, Inc. (FHP).

The self-help housing program has helped over 1,000 families achieve homeownership, including its current Chief Operating Officer, Vanessa Josey. 

Josey says the program made the American dream a reality for her family. 

It took Josey over a decade to get into that position with FHP to help others build and become homeowners. 

"I started as the receptionist," she said. 

That was 19 years ago. She says one phone call with a client made her re-evaluate her own status as a homeowner. 

"She asked me, 'Do you own a house?' And that was a defining moment for me," said Josey.

She purchased her first home through the program. 

Today, she helps with the architecture and building designs to cater to the needs of the families that will live in these communities. 

"Because we want our homeowners to live in their homes for 10 plus years," she added. 

FHP's Self-Help 'sweat equity' housing program is designed for the first-time homebuyers with incomes below 80% of the medium income. Those who are eligible for the program must have good or repairable credit, and down payment assistance is available for those who qualify. 

"Our clients wouldn't be able to afford a home anywhere else, so they come to us," said Josey. 

Soon-to-be homeowners must also work a minimum of 600 hours building their new home. 

"It's definitely empowering to understand the beginning to end of a process," said Josey. 

Josey says Wimauma is one of those communities that needs attention. 

"We started in Wimauma. It's great to know that we're going back." 

The Magnolia Garden Square groundbreaking is scheduled for Friday.