Orlando/ Real Estate & Development
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Published on October 04, 2024
Orange County Marks 50 Years of Progress with Community Development Block Grants Fueling Housing StabilitySource: Orange County Government, Florida

As Orange County marks 50 years since the initiation of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), the impacts of this flexible federal funding are being brought to the forefront—particularly in the sphere of housing stability for residents. The county has allocated a substantial $16 million from CDBG to housing-related activities over the past five years, pairing this with another $7 million to enhance public facilities and infrastructure, as noted in a feature by the Orange County Newsroom.

The CDBG program is essential, providing the means for organizations like Ability Housing to construct, update, and manage affordable housing for those in need. "It helps provide the resources we need to offer the on-site support our residents need. We’re talking about people with significant barriers and disabilities who need support in order to avoid returning to homelessness," said Shannon Nazworth, president and CEO of Ability Housing, in a statement detailed by Orange County Newsroom.

This initiative has a significant personal impact. Nazworth recalls an emotional moment with a woman who said, "You saved my life." The Wayne Densch Center in Eatonville, renovated by Ability Housing, now offers transitional and permanent supportive housing for the homeless, partly funded by Orange County's $2 million contribution. During its reopening, the county also invested $250,000 from the American Rescue Plan to expand amenities, including a new 2,500-sq.-ft community center with a multipurpose room, laundry facilities, and a computer lab, per Orange County Newsroom.

According to the Orange County Newsroom, the goal of these housing solutions goes beyond providing shelter; it's about ensuring long-term stability by offering essential services. "Housing stability is an important aspect of affordable housing, and it’s accomplished by providing public services to vulnerable low-income populations such as seniors and persons with disabilities," said Nancy Sharifi, assistant manager of Orange County Housing and Community Development. With CDBG funding, services like case management, mental health support, and Meals on Wheels become more accessible for those seeking stable housing.

Orlando-Real Estate & Development