News and Events

Volusia County Pauses First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program Applications
Effective immediately, Volusia County has temporarily paused the acceptance of new First-Time Homebuyer Purchase Assistance Program applications. The pause will remain in effect through at least December 31, 2026, depending on funding availability. Should there be a change in this status, a notification will be made immediately.

During this pause, the County will continue accepting applications for certain properties donated or developed with SHIP funding. Application documents will be accepted only from applicants and households previously identified and approved by the County. For the most current program information, visit: www.volusia.org/housing

Housing Empowerment Workshop Series
FREE TO ATTEND!

BUILDING KNOWLEDGE. STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES. EMPOWERING RESIDENTS.

Join the City of Palm Coast and our community partners for this free educational workshop series designed to help residents protect their homes, build financial stability, understand housing resources, and achieve long-term housing success.

AUGUST 29
BASIC HOME MAINTENANCE
Essential home maintenance skills and preventative measures to protect your property and avoid costly repairs.

SEPTEMBER 19
PROPERTY TAXES & EXEMPTIONS
Learn about property taxes, homestead exemptions, portability, and the tax appeal process.

OCTOBER 10
FORECLOSURE PREVENTION
Understanding early intervention strategies, loss mitigation options, loan modifications, and available resources to help homeowners avoid foreclosure.

NOVEMBER 21
CITY OF PALM COAST CDBG &
FLAGLER COUNTY SHIP PROGRAMS
Application process for City and County First Time Homebuyers and Housing Rehabilitations programs, how to apply and any general questions.

DECEMBER 19
DEED THEFT & HEIRS PROPERTY
Learn how to identify property scams, protect property ownership rights, and preserve generational wealth through estate planning.

JANUARY 16
UNLOCKING FINANCIAL STABILITY:
THE BENEFITS OF HOMEOWNERSHIP
Explore the financial, personal, and community benefits of homeownership and how owning a home can support long-term wealth building.

FEBRUARY 13th
TAX REFUND SCAMS & USING YOUR REFUND
TO ACHIEVE HOUSING GOALS
Recognize common tax refund scams, protect your finances, and learn how to use tax refunds strategically for housing and financial stability.

MARCH 13
CREDIT READINESS & BUDGETING
Strategies to improve credit score, reduce debt, manage household finances, and prepare for mortgage qualifications.

MAY 22
INSURANCE & DISASTER READINESS
Navigating homeowner insurance coverage and learn how to prepare for, response and recover from disasters.

JUNE 12
HOUSING MOBILITY
Learn how to search for housing using vouchers, identify available resources, and communicate effectively with landlords.

JULY 17
TENANT RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES
Understanding lease agreements, eviction procedures, habitability standards, fair housing protections, and security deposit requirements.

WORKSHOP DETAILS
Workshops held on the dates listed (see schedule)

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Workshop Session

FREE One-on-One
Appointments
10:15 AM – 12:00 PM
Speak with experts and get personalized guidance.

REGISTER TODAY!

LOCATION
Palm Coast
Southern Recreation Center

1290 Belle Terre Parkway
Palm Coast, FL 32164

Empowering Residents
THROUGH EDUCATION, STABILITY, AND OPPORTUNITY.

QUESTIONS?
Contact us:
386-986-3736
housing@palmcoastgov.com

VISIT OUR WEBSITE
for more information:
www.palmcoast.gov/housing-services

REGISTER TODAY!
Reserve your spot:
https://secure.rec1.com/FL/palm-coast-fl/catalog

FREE Workshops.
Valuable Information.
Stronger Communities.

Workshops are open to the public. Space is limited. Registration encouraged.

At the event, Londyn Sika was crowned Little Miss Juneteenth. Bryan Johnson II was named Little Mr. Juneteenth.

“This is one of the largest and most successful Juneteenth celebrations in the state and in the nation,” said Donna M. Gray-Banks, co-host and founder of F.R.E.S.H.

Geneva Loper and Irene Webb, both 100, were the oldest Hometown Heroes at the event.

“I love people and I want people to love me,” Loper said. “I don’t know what to say. I’m so happy. People should love and help people.”

Of the 20 honorees, 13 were recognized for their community service, including Loper and Cassandra Lundy-Mitchell.

"There’s a lot of people that are unsung heroes,” Lundy-Mitchell said. “And Juneteenth is something that's very important to all of us. Not just Black people, but all of us.”

We are proud to share that our Executive Director, Lydia Gregg, has been named one of Daytona Beach's 2026 Hometown Heroes, an honor presented on June 19 during the annual Hometown Heroes Banquet at the Mori Hosseini Student Union at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University. (observerlocalnews.com)

The Hometown Heroes recognition celebrates individuals who exemplify service, unity, and dedication within the Daytona Beach community. Out of 20 honorees across categories such as culture, youth, and community service, Lydia was recognized for her outstanding commitment to supporting stable, affordable housing and empowering families throughout Volusia and Flagler counties. (observerlocalnews.com)

As Executive Director of Mid‑Florida Housing Partnership, Lydia's leadership has strengthened our mission to provide HUD‑approved housing counseling, foreclosure prevention services, homebuyer education, transitional housing, and supportive resources for individuals and families working toward stability. Her compassion, advocacy, and unwavering dedication make a meaningful difference in the lives of the residents we serve every day.

We couldn't be more grateful-and proud-to see her honored as a true hometown hero.

Please join us in congratulating Lydia Gregg on this well‑deserved recognition!

MFHP Welcomes Jody Medel (Text Version)
Mid-Florida Housing Partnership, Inc. welcomes Jody Medel as the new Palmetto House Transitional Housing Shelter House Director.

Jody Medel comes to MFHP with years of diverse experience in motel management and transitional housing shelter management. She brings commitment and dedication and strong leadership, event coordination and community outreach skills, with a people-first approach. We are excited to experience her compassionate and empathic leadership at Palmetto House.

Housing Empowerment Workshop Details (Text Version)
Housing Empowerment Workshop Series 2025-2026
Description Taught by HUD certified counselors, there will be a series of hybrid classes covering various topics from credit repair, understanding your credit, preparing your home for natural disasters, foreclosure intervention, preparing for homeownership, and ownership after closing.

Hosted By: Mid-Florida Housing Partnership, Inc & Palm Coast & Flagler County

Location: Southern Recreation Center 1290 Belle Terre Pkwy, Palm Coast, FL 32164

General Schedule: Every 3rd Saturday of the Month from 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Class Schedule:

September 20, 2025: Foreclosure Prevention

October 18, 2025: Navigating Home Insurance and Disaster Readiness

November 15, 2025: Introduction to Palm Coast CDBG Owner Occupied Rehab Programs

December 20, 2025: Essential Home Maintenance for long term savings

January 17, 2026: Financing Home Improvements & Repairs

March 21, 2026: Navigating Home Insurance and Disaster Readiness

May 22, 2026: Essential Home Maintenance for long term savings

June 20, 2026: Financing Home Improvements & Repairs

Registration & Contact Information

Important Notes:

Registration for class is required.

One-on-one consultations are by appointment only.

Contact Person: Jennika Edgerton

Phone: 386-274-4441 (Option 6)

Email: jennika.edgerton@mfhp.org

September Preparedness Month: Strengthening Housing Stability for Families in Volusia & Flagler Counties

September marks National Preparedness Month — a nationwide effort focused on helping families, individuals, and communities plan for emergencies before they happen. In Florida, where hurricanes,...

Back-to-School Housing Stability Guide: Preparing Your Family for a Strong Start This August in Volusia & Flagler Counties

As summer winds down and families across Volusia and Flagler Counties prepare for a new school year, August becomes an important month for planning, organizing, and strengthening household...

Summer Housing Stability Tips for Volusia and Flagler Residents

Summer in Volusia and Flagler Counties brings sunshine, school breaks, and more time spent outdoors—but it also brings new challenges for renters, homeowners, and families working toward long-term...

Hurricane Readiness Tips for Homeowners

Living in Volusia and Flagler Counties means enjoying beautiful weather most of the year, but it also means preparing for hurricane season. As a homeowner in our coastal communities, taking...

Smart Saving and Budgeting for Warmer Weather

As the days get longer and temperatures rise, many of us look forward to enjoying the outdoors, planning vacations, and tackling home improvement projects. But warmer months also bring shifts in...

Upcoming Housing Fairs and Financial Wellness Clinics in Observance of Fair Housing Month

Every year, April brings an important reminder about fairness, opportunity, and access for all. As we observe Fair Housing Month, it’s a great time to revisit the Fair Housing Act and also think...

Understanding Fair Housing Month and Using Your Tax Refund to Support Your Housing Goals

Every year, April brings an important reminder about fairness, opportunity, and access for all. As we recognize Fair Housing Month, it’s a meaningful time to revisit the Fair Housing Act and...

Unlocking Financial Stability: The Real Benefits of Owning a Home

At Mid-Florida Housing Partnership (MFHP), we believe that safe, stable housing is the foundation for strong families and thriving communities across Volusia and Flagler Counties. As a HUD-approved...

Tax Refund Scams and How to Protect Yourself When You Receive Extra Money

For many people, receiving a tax refund feels a lot like Christmas. After months of working hard and covering regular expenses, suddenly getting extra money is a welcome boost. You might use it to...

Ultimate Guide to Buying Your First Home in Volusia & Flagler Counties

Ultimate Guide to Buying Your First Home in Volusia & Flagler Counties Buying your first home is an exciting milestone — but it can also feel overwhelming. From saving for a down payment to...

You’re Not Alone: Finding Support Through Mortgage Challenges This Holiday Season

The holidays are often seen as a time of joy, family, and celebration—but for many homeowners, they can also bring feelings of worry and uncertainty. If you’re behind on your mortgage or afraid of...

Building Pathways to Housing Security This November

November is the perfect time to reflect, express gratitude, and give back. We're thrilled to share some impactful opportunities to help you find stable, affordable housing with Mid-Florida Housing...

October Workshop: Empowering Volusia & Flagler Residents with Knowledge and Resources

October Workshop: Empowering Volusia & Flagler Residents with Knowledge and Resources Mark your calendars! On Saturday, October 18, 2025, Mid-Florida Housing Partnership (MFHP) is excited to launch...

What to Do If You’re Struggling with Mortgage Payments in Florida

Facing Challenges with Mortgage Payments?For many families in Volusia and Flagler Counties, staying on top of mortgage payments can be overwhelming. Whether it's due to unexpected expenses or...

Volusia County Pauses First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program Applications

Housing Empowerment Workshop Series

Mid-Florida Housing Partnership Executive Director Honored as Daytona Beach Hometown Hero

MFHP Welcomes Jody Medel (Text Version)

Housing Empowerment Workshop Details (Text Version)