GREEN COVE SPRINGS — In a sea of matching coral T-shirts, a group of community leaders joined together with a fervent mission on Thursday, Feb. 12.

Habitat for Humanity hosted its annual Leaders Build, where 25 community leaders signed up to participate in a pragmatic approach to building affordable housing in the community.

"We're always looking for volunteers and companies to help partner with us," Development Director Nikki Glanville said.

Those who volunteered contributed hands-on labor to restore a home on Thomas Street. Habitat had purchased the land, which the home came with. They also obtained acreage behind the home, where they plan to further expand with two more residences.

Habitat board members, District 3 County Commissioner Jim Renninger, the Way Free Medical Clinic Executive Director Andrea Crowder, and former commissioner and Clay Radio General Manager Mike Cella were among some of the volunteers in attendance, who painted floorboards and walls, pressure washed the home and assembled fencing.

"I think it's a great turnout. You know, leaders in different aspects and different jobs, from bankers to electrical to building, we have a wide variety of people that are here."

In addition to restoration, it was a day for participants to network and learn more about the organization's purpose.  Since 1977, Clay Habitat has been working to construct new homes for low to moderate-income families with significant housing deficiencies. These families must demonstrate need, have decent fixed credit, make a modest down payment and participate in sweat equity hours.

Glanville said housing costs continue to rise throughout the region. Although not in attendance, Clay Habitat Executive Director Carolina Morrow was making strides at the State Capitol for Habitat on the Hill, discussing the importance of affordable homeownership with U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean, who represents the Clay district.

For Habitat, policy is a big part of strengthening housing access, like the Feb. 9 comprehensive housing package passed by the House. The Housing for the 21st Century Act aims to alleviate housing shortages by reducing unnecessary regulatory barriers to new home construction, according to the United States Committee on Financial Services.  This will include modernizing HUD programs and allowing banks to deploy funding more freely.

"We have done some changes to them to make them current style and try to get rid of that, you know, stigma of it," Glanville said.