Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville, known as HabiJax, is expanding to Nassau and Baker counties and has changed its name to reflect its broader service area.
Effective July 21, the new name is First Coast Habitat for Humanity.
The new name also reflects a leadership change, the organization said in a news release.
Monte Walker, who served five years as president and CEO, stepped down in June.
Chief Community Partnerships Officer Chris Folds has been named interim CEO. A Jacksonville native, Folds brings more than a decade of nonprofit experience to the new role.
“Chris has the steady hand and deep institutional insight we need at this moment,” board Chair Jim Branch said in the release.
Since its founding in 1988, the local Habitat for Humanity organization has helped 2,400 families achieve homeownership. It is one of the top-producing Habitat affiliates in the U.S., according to the release.
A recent University of North Florida poll found one in four Duval County residents cite housing costs as the community’s top concern. Similar challenges are growing in Nassau and Baker counties.
“The housing crisis is real and growing,” Folds said. “First Coast Habitat is uniquely positioned to meet this moment.”
The timing of the name change aligns with the start of the organization’s fiscal year, the release states.