qt=q_95
Donate Now
qt=q_95

About Us

Hicoria Pines Homes, Inc. is a 501( c )( 3 ) nonprofit, equal housing opportunity provider and employer. We are a heart-led solution-based organization that was formed to bring the USDA Rural Development 502 Direct Loan, 504 Home Repair and Aging in Place Programs to our communities.

About Us

Our Mission

Hicoria Pines Homes exists to help very low- and low-income individuals and families achieve housing stability, self-sufficiency, and economic mobility through the development of safe, sustainable, and attainable housing.

Our Vision

Within three years, HP Homes envisions helping between 15 to 20 additional very low- and low-income individuals and families achieve stable, sustainable, and attainable homeownership through increased home completions, expanded program reach, and stronger support systems that promote long-term housing stability and economic independence.

Our Company

Certifications and Expertise

Certified USDA Loan Packager

Our certification allows us to streamline the loan application process for families and seniors. We help clients secure:
• 502 Direct Loans: Ideal for purchasing or building a home.
• 504 Home Repair Loans and Grants: Perfect for essential repairs and accessibility modifications.
As experts in USDA programs, we handle the paperwork, ensuring faster approvals and reducing stress for applicants.

Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS)

We create homes that adapt to your needs. Our team designs spaces with universal accessibility, such as:
• Roll-in showers for easier bathing.
• Stairlifts and ramps to navigate multi-level homes.

Project Management Professionals

With PMP-certified staff, every project is completed on schedule, within budget, and to the highest standards. Whether it’s a single-family home or a community housing development, we ensure every detail is carefully managed.

Leadership Team

Dean M. Wallace, CEO

With a passion for creating pathways to homeownership, Dean has spearheaded initiatives that have empowered families, seniors, and individuals to achieve stability and security through accessible, high-quality homes. Under his leadership, Hicoria Pines Homes has built lasting partnerships with organizations such as the USDA, AmeriCorps, Highway Park Neighborhood Council (HPNC), the Housing Assistance Council (HAC), and local community groups, enabling the organization to deliver innovative housing solutions tailored to the unique needs of the community. Dean’s unwavering commitment to collaboration and sustainability reflects his belief that everyone deserves a safe, dignified place to call home.

Evelyn Colón, Executive Director

Evelyn Colón, born in Sebring and raised in Lake Placid, Florida, is a dedicated community advocate with a passion for empowering underserved areas. As the Executive Director of the Highway Park Neighborhood Council, she has successfully led initiatives in affordable housing, grant writing, and program management to revitalize her hometown. With over 25 years of leadership experience, Evelyn specializes in fostering partnerships, securing funding, and supporting rural communities. Her commitment to sustainable development aligns with Hicoria Pines Homes’ mission to create safe, affordable housing and strengthen communities through collaboration and innovation.

Donate Now

Board Members

Austin Terry

Mr. Terry’s career spans over 20 years as both an executive and project management professional within the oil and gas infrastructure sector. Mr. Terry specializes in onshore projects, across a wide spectrum of midstream transmission, energy transition, gathering, rail, power, terminal, and processing facilities. Mr. Terry’s skills include developing and managing project teams, back-office and upper management; with discipline specific and interdisciplinary roles, tasks, and execution strategies. Further, Mr. Terry has demonstrated proficiency at strategic planning for business development, market penetration, and staffing.

Jerry Frantz

With over 25 years of experience, Jerry's expertise is in the field of financial planning, operating and managing businesses. Jerry has worked in various places nationwide providing services and solutions for some of the large E&P companies across the industry. In his tenure as an oil and gas professional, he has achieved various prominent roles in exploration, acquisitions and negotiations, funding and investor relations, economic evaluations, financial and investment analyst, forecasting, planning and management. Jerry also provided services as a U.S. representative for a $3 billion international trading firm out of Geneva, Switzerland.

Michael Chung

Mr. Chung is a seasoned executive with a diverse background spanning international trade, finance, and energy. As the founder and owner of a leading seafood import and export distribution company, he successfully expanded operations across ten countries. With over 13 years of experience in finance, he has been actively involved in energy finance, specializing in LNG investments and infrastructure development. Mr. Chung has established strong relationships with key LNG stakeholders across Asia, facilitating trade and project financing for energy ventures. He also served as CEO of a trucking company, overseeing a fleet of more than 60 tractors, and managed a logistics and warehousing enterprise in New York City, demonstrating his expertise in supply chain management and operational efficiency.

Ciera Sanchez Arjona

Ciera Sanchez Arjona believes that a strong community starts at home. With a deep passion for service and local development, Ciera is dedicated to supporting hands-on homebuilding efforts in her community. As a resident of Sebring, Florida, she witnessed firsthand the transformative power of stable environments. Professionally, Ciera holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, is a Certified Addiction Professional (CAP), and serves as a Clinical Supervisor for a Substance Use Treatment Program. She dedicates her career to healing, stability, and advocacy, understanding deeply how secure housing impacts overall well-being and family success. Outside of her professional life, Ciera is married and proud to co-lead a blended family of six children. She is always excited to roll up her sleeves, collaborate with community partners, and help local families achieve the dream of homeownership.

AmeriCorps VISTA

Alexander Rivera Nieves

Alexander Rivera is the Software Support Specialist at Hicoria Pines Homes, serving through the AmeriCorps VISTA program. He enhances the organization’s efficiency by implementing innovative technology solutions that support affordable housing initiatives in Highlands County, Florida. Alexander develops tools and training resources to streamline operations, ensure compliance with housing regulations, and empower staff and families. He also collaborates with stakeholders to optimize outreach strategies, gathering feedback and data to drive continuous improvement. With a focus on innovation and impact, Alexander plays a key role in advancing Hicoria Pines Homes’ mission to provide sustainable housing and foster economic stability for underserved communities.

Maajenay Bryant

Maajenay Bryant serves as a Community Outreach Coordinator VISTA with Hicoria Pines Homes, driving impactful initiatives to expand affordable housing solutions. In her second year as an AmeriCorps VISTA member, she focuses on capacity building, grant writing, and fostering strategic partnerships to enhance the organization’s sustainability. Maajenay champions innovative projects, such as barndominiums and Sustainable Homeownership, while securing funding through tailored proposals and advanced tools like AI. A dedicated mentor, she equips team members with skills in grant writing and organizational development, ensuring long-term success. Her leadership and vision are instrumental in advancing Hicoria Pines Homes’ mission to create sustainable, affordable housing for underserved communities.

Kamiyah Frazier

Evelyn Colon

Chonie Sharper

Tiffany Green