Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties is reaching a significant milestone this month, with the 900th dedication of a home built in the Pinellas County and West Pasco County area.
The dedication is planned for Friday, June 21 at Gooden Crossing, a historic section of the Ridgecrest Community, in Largo.
The event is at 1231 Gooden Crossing, at 10 a.m., with food and refreshments available from local vendors. The home is being dedicated to Xavier Jones, a single father to three children — daughters Xaviah and Xanae, ages 14 and nine, respectively, and son Xavier, age 11.
“I want my children to know I will always be there for them,” he told the St. Pete Catalyst during a podcast interview. “I love being a dad and I am working hard every day, so my kids have a better life.”
A spray technician for Pinellas County government, Jones was accepted into the Habitat for Humanity homeownership program in early 2023.
Good Crossing was renamed, in 2003, in honor of two of its earliest settlers — Chester and Corrine Gooden who moved to Largo, from Ocala, in 1936. The couple purchased 10 acres of open land for $800, the equivalent of about $18,000 today adjusted for inflation. The Goodens sold and donated those 10 acres to build homes, businesses and a place of worship.