As hurricane season ramps up, so does a push to provide safer, affordable housing for families in storm-prone communities.

Habitat for Humanity has broken ground on Windhorst Commons, a new 23-home development in Brandon designed to withstand hurricanes and offer long-term security for families still recovering from disasters like Hurricane Milton.

For future homeowner Michelle Range, the groundbreaking marks both a new chapter and a deeply personal milestone.

“It was rough because of all the transitions we went through with our home flooding during the last hurricane,” Range said. “Not knowing where you’re going to live or how you’re going to recover — it’s terrifying.”

The day held even more meaning for Range — it was her birthday.

“This is a major blessing for the groundbreaking to happen today,” she said.

Her future home will include hurricane shutters and handicap-accessible features for her son, part of Habitat’s commitment to building resilience and stability for families in need.

“The stability of having my own home, something for my family, something that we’ll have forever — a legacy,” she added.

Construction is expected to wrap up in about six months, weather permitting. Even with the threat of storms, work will continue.

Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers called Windhorst Commons a blueprint for solving the region’s affordable housing crisis.

“Hillsborough County is committed to helping families,” Myers said. “We’ll keep partnering with organizations to give more people the chance to own the biggest asset they’ll ever have.”

The event also marked a new era for the nonprofit, now renamed Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough, reflecting its broader reach across the county.

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(Image credit: Spectrum News/Fadia Patterson)

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