Alachua Habitat and Pepine Gives Come Together to Break Ground on New Affordable Home in Gainesville

Press Release
Written By Alachua Habitat for Humanity

Alachua Habitat and Pepine Gives Partner to Build Hope in Gainesville

Gainesville, FL – Alachua Habitat for Humanity will host a Golden Shovel Groundbreaking Ceremony to celebrate the start of construction on the future home of Octivia Tensley and her grandchildren. The event will take place on Tuesday, June 25th at 10:00 a.m. at 1622 NE 9th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32641, and the public is invited to attend.

This new home is made possible through a collaborative effort supported by the City of Gainesville, which generously donated the lot, and through the sponsorship of Pepine Gives, the philanthropic arm of Pepine Realty, and Capital City Bank Foundation.

This build marks the third home made possible through the partnership between Alachua Habitat for Humanity and Pepine Gives. The collaboration began in 2022, when Pepine committed to sponsoring ten homes for families in Alachua County—an effort that reflects the company’s mission to empower lives and strengthen communities, one family at a time.

Octivia, a Licensed Practical Nurse and devoted grandmother, has lived in Alachua County since 1987 and has spent her life in service to others. With her grandchildren, she looks forward to a peaceful, stable home where they can grow and thrive. “I applied for safety issues and needing a forever home for myself and my grandkids,” she shared. Her journey to homeownership is grounded in resilience and love, and she describes it with three powerful words: joy, peace, and love.

The groundbreaking event will include remarks from Alachua Habitat for Humanity and Pepine Gives, a ceremonial blessing, and the symbolic first dig with golden shovels by the family and their supporters.

“Moments like these remind us that housing is about more than just shelter—it’s about hope, stability, and opportunity,” said Kristine Thompson, Interim Executive Director of Alachua Habitat. “We’re honored to support Octivia’s journey and deeply grateful for partners like Pepine Gives who share our vision of empowering families through affordable homeownership.”

About Pepine Gives

Pepine Gives as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation, is the philanthropic arm of Pepine Realty. The mission of Pepine Gives is to deliver affordable housing and holistic services to underserved areas. Through this we address the state’s housing crisis by creating thriving, inclusive communities in partnership with local businesses, empowering residents to flourish, growing economies and increasing socioeconomic opportunities for all. Our passion and purpose are changing lives, one home at a time.

Jessica Kellar, Development & Communications Manager

Alachua Habitat for Humanity
2610 NW 43rd St. Suite 2B, Gainesville, FL 32606
Phone: (352) 745-7187
Email: jkellar@alachuahabitat.org

Alachua Habitat for Humanity

Founded in 1986, Alachua Habitat for Humanity is the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. We envision a world where everyone has a decent place to live and we work towards that vision by bringing people together to build strength, stability, and independence through shelter. To accomplish these goals, we invite people of all backgrounds, races, and religions to build houses “Habitat Houses“ together in partnership with families in need of affordable housing. Habitat houses are sold to homeowner families financed with mortgages they can afford. For more information visit our About Page.

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