First Coast Habitat for Humanity Breaks Ground on RiverBank Estates

Jacksonville, FL — On Thursday, March 26, First Coast Habitat for Humanity will host a ceremonial groundbreaking for RiverBank Estates, a new neighborhood of 12 affordable homes located at the intersection of Trout River Boulevard and Frankella Road.

The community is made possible through significant partnerships—beginning with EverBank, which sponsored the development of the neighborhood’s infrastructure. The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida is providing a $1 million low-cost loan from its Local Capital Pool to support home construction. The City of Jacksonville is also supporting home construction with a $480,000 loan through its Single-Family Development Program, funded through Florida’s State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP).

“Projects like RiverBank Estates show the power of partnership. By working together with organizations like EverBank and The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, as well as with state and local governments, we’re able to create more pathways to affordable homeownership and strengthen communities across our region,” said Chris Folds, Chief Executive Officer of First Coast Habitat for Humanity.

Attendees will hear from Markeisha Nicholas, a First Coast Habitat homeowner and mother whose first home was sponsored by EverBank three years ago. She will share how affordable homeownership has impacted her family and why projects like RiverBank Estates matter for Jacksonville families. “It creates stability,” Markeisha says. “Something you can pass down to your child. I was tired of renting and making other people rich. I wanted to invest in the future of my own family.”

“Homeownership has the power to transform families and strengthen cities,” said Mike Zambetti, Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer with EverBank. “Creating more opportunities for homeownership is a key part of our EverBank Builds® program. Our associates can’t wait to come out and volunteer through First Coast Habitat again, helping bring RiverBank Estates to life.”

Leaders from First Coast Habitat for Humanity, EverBank, and The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida will also speak about the importance of partnerships in addressing the region’s growing housing challenges.

WHEN

Thursday, March 26
9:00 a.m. – 9:35 a.m.
(Brief reception to follow)

WHERE

RiverBank Estates
9915 Frankella Road
Jacksonville, FL

HOW

Please RSVP to media contact Kaitlyn Parham at kaitlyn@theconnectagency.com or call 336-681-3007.

VISUALS & INTERVIEWS

Photography and videography are welcome. Visual opportunities include:

• Groundbreaking ceremony with shovels and hard hats at the future RiverBank Estates site
• First Coast Habitat leaders, community partners, and volunteers marking the start of construction and writing messages of support on lumber to be used in construction
• Community partners and local leaders celebrating the launch of the new neighborhood, along with Jacksonville Jaguars mascot Jaxson de Ville

Available for interviews:

• Markeisha Nicholas – First Coast Habitat homeowner and mother whose EverBank-sponsored home was completed three years ago
• Chris Folds – Chief Executive Officer, First Coast Habitat for Humanity
• Mike Zambetti – Executive Vice President, Chief Credit Officer, EverBank – Supporting sponsor of the RiverBank Estates development
• Isaiah Oliver – President, The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida – Supporting construction through a $1M Impact Investing loan through the Local Capital Pool

About First Coast Habitat for Humanity

For 37 years, Habitat for Humanity has helped more than 2,300 Jacksonville area families achieve the dream of homeownership. We’ve built homes, communities, and most of all—hope. Hope for financial stability. Hope for children’s health and safety. And hope for a better future. Habitat families buy their homes with their own mortgage and many hours of sweat equity. They do the hard work—and they deserve a hand up.

About EverBank

EverBank, N.A. (EverBank) is a nationwide specialty bank providing high-value products and services to consumer, business and commercial clients coast-to-coast. As a pioneer in online banking, we offer convenient digital access for clients 24/7, in addition to phone-based support and a network of financial centers across California, Florida and New York. EverBank’s commitment is to deliver to our clients high-performing, high-yield solutions backed by exceptional service. Connect and interact with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or X. EverBank is a Member FDIC.