PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Almost 90 years after the Gooden family initially acquired 10 acres in the historic Ridgecrest community, a new generation of families are achieving first-time homeownership on that same land.

Three more families have built their dream homes with the help of Habitat for Humanity. 

What You Need To Know

  • With the help of Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas, more families have built their dream homes

  • The Gooden family invested $800 in the Ridgecrest community in the 1930s to purchase 10 acres of land in order to help the African American community own homes

  • Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties reached a significant milestone with the completion of Jones’ home — it’s the 900th home the chapter has built

  • Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas says they need to build 85 more homes this year

“Homeownership is the key to generational wealth,” said Elizabeth Helm-Frazier.

That has been a key factor in Helm-Frazier’s family for decades. She says her maternal grandparents, Chester and Corrine Gooden, initially invested $800 in the Ridgecrest community in the 1930s to purchase 10 acres of land.

They came from Ocala. Had big dreams, really thinking outside of the box. What they wanted to do is not only build a home, but also a business, because back then, Black people did not have a lot of options,” said Helm-Frazier.

The couple also sold land to other families, purchased the first fire truck for the volunteer fire department, and donated land to build the first church for the community.

Gooden Crossing is named in honor of the couple’s legacy.

A legacy of homeownership that will continue with Xavier Jones.

“I’m proud of myself. It took a lot of hard work to get here,” he said.

The single father of three wants to lead by example for his children.

Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties reached a significant milestone with the completion of Jones’ home. It’s the 900th home the chapter has built.

The Gooden’s grandchildren sold their last plots of land to make it possible. Helm-Frazier says her family’s lasting contribution to the historic African American community is the gift of homeownership.

“It not only teaches wealth, but it teaches the children responsibility in taking care of a home, paying the utilities of a home, and most importantly, pride. I am very proud to be a Ridgecrest kid,” said Helm-Frazier.

Habitat for Humanity’s Mike Sutton says the project will provide other families with the opportunity to experience the same pride.

“People are getting priced out of our community left and right. They are leaving out region. They are leaving our state. Any opportunity that we have to partner with a family to anchor them in the area is a big day,” said Sutton.

Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas says they need to build 85 more homes this year.