Villages of Hope Construction

HBA: Northeast Florida Builders Association

Category: HBA Operations

Location: Jacksonville, Fla.

Size: 601+ members

Year: 2025

This project was a partnership between the Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA) and Jacksonville nonprofit Villages of Hope to build a specialized "community of care." This endeavor took place over several years, with NEFBA assisting Villages of Hope in the entitlement process, site planning, fundraising and, finally, the construction of 13 small homes. Each one provides long-term refuge and restoration for survivors of exploitation, human trafficking and addiction. By expanding home building capacity and operations for Village of Hope, NEFBA helped a community of women transition back into society through skill development, job training and long-term life planning.

While the project was still in its approval stages, NEFBA initiated several fundraising efforts: the NEFBA Member MasterCraft Builder Group committed to a $100,000 challenge grant, and the association raised a total of $650,000 for the construction of the community. Construction was completed by industry professionals, members and volunteers that helped with landscaping and furniture assembly. In December 2025, the first four residents moved into the community, and there are goals to fill all of the homes in the next 12-24 months.