Affordable Housing

There is talk in Tallahassee of giving new help to homestead property owners, more than 30 years after Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment to restrict increases in real estate tax assessments on owner-occupied residences.

Lee County is setting a deadline for home owners to apply for federal money to repair damage from Hurricane Ian more than three years ago. Commissioners also are awarding money for more affordable housing.

Housing costs in Naples have steadily increased year after year, putting a growing strain on the affordability of rent for the average worker. One housing development is hoping to offer a sustainable solution.

The Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance will open a new housing application cycle on Oct 1. Sixteen qualifying families will receive the opportunity to live in a two- or three- bedroom apartment. Four of the units are designated for people with special needs.

Habitat for Humanity celebrated Mother’s Day ahead of time this year with the blessing of a local mother’s future home in Lehigh Acres and honoring her homeownership journey as part of Habitat’s 15th annual Women Build program in Lee and Hendry counties.

A Miami company has gotten the OK to access money to build affordable housing in Lee County.Lee Commissioners Tuesday approved a deal that uses post-Ian recovery money for mortgage revenue bonds.

Former Senate President Kathleen Passidomo handed over the reins of the Senate to Wauchula Republican Ben Albritton after the November elections.But Passidomo, who is now chairwoman of the Rules Committee, has some unfinished business to resolve during her two remaining years in the Senate.

Lee County is granting $89 million for affordable housing. The money comes from the federal government, part of the $1.1 billion coming to Lee to help recovery from Hurricane Ian.

FEMA has announced an extension in its housing program from Hurricane Ian.

The housing gap between communities in Collier County is striking. In Immokalee, almost 40% of homes are owner-occupied, while in nearby Naples, that number is over 80%. This disparity is driving up rental costs in Immokalee, forcing many families into overcrowded living conditions. A local nonprofit has stepped up to build an affordable housing complex, hoping to offer relief to those who need it most.