Shovels hit the dirt in Orlando yesterday as city officials and Harbor House leaders kicked off construction on Our Grove, a new housing community designed for survivors of domestic violence and their families. The goal, they said, is simple but ambitious: give families more time, space, and stability to recover from abuse in a secure, campus-style setting.
As reported by WFTV, the finished Our Grove community is expected to house 17 adults and 48 children and is being described as Central Florida’s first survivor-focused housing community. The development is tailored for families moving out of emergency shelter and is built around longer stays paired with on-site services.
Harbor House first unveiled the Our Grove plan in October 2025. As reported by Spectrum News 13, the nonprofit had raised about $4.5 million toward an estimated $9 million project and secured a $4 million HOME-ARP grant from the city. Spectrum noted that phase one would construct an initial apartment building expected to house nine adults and 24 children, with phase two adding a second building plus community space.
Harbor House CEO Michelle Sperzel told WESH that the units are meant for transitional stays lasting 12 to 24 months and will be pet-friendly. She said residents will have access to on-site childcare, peer counselors, and trauma-informed youth programming. According to Sperzel, phase one is fully funded, and Harbor House is launching a campaign to complete phase two.
What Our Grove Will Offer
The site plan calls for two eight-unit apartment buildings, an ADA-compliant cottage, and shared outdoor spaces where children can play while parents focus on work, school, or counseling. Harbor House, Orange County’s certified domestic violence center, says the units will connect residents with legal, employment, and childcare support as part of a wraparound model, according to Harbor House of Central Florida.
Why It Matters
Local advocates and officials say longer-term transitional housing can interrupt the cycle of housing instability that sometimes forces survivors back into unsafe situations. Coverage of the plan notes that Harbor House assisted 787 survivors last year, including 380 children, underscoring the demand for more stable housing options with services on-site, Spectrum News 13 reported.
What's Next
With the ceremonial groundbreaking in the books, construction on phase one is set to begin while Harbor House continues fundraising to finish the community and cover operating costs. Officials said they plan to share timeline updates as units open and directed residents to Harbor House’s website and 24-hour crisis line for information and support. Coverage from WFTV and WESH has more details.
