The Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance (IFHA) recently received a $200,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Collier County to assist with the construction of their Immokalee affordable housing community. IFHA has purchased 10 acres of land on Lake Trafford Road in Immokalee and will build 128 safe, affordable rental units for farmworker and other low-income families. Soukup Strategic Solutions is honored to have assisted IFHA with campaign planning, a fundraising study, prospect research, major gifts, fundraising collateral, and grant writing.
Farmworker and other low-income families in Immokalee are currently living in overcrowded and dilapidated shacks and trailers, with holes in the floor and walls, persistent mold, non-working toilets or appliances, and a lack of air conditioning. These families are subject to paying 50% or more of their income in rent, leaving little for food, medical services, childcare, and other services most would consider necessities.
Dr. Arol Buntzman, IFHA Chairman
“Thanks to this generous grant and others, we anticipate that the construction of the first two of eight buildings will begin this summer,” said Dr. Arol Buntzman, Board Chair of IFHA. “Our plans call for these buildings to be completed and ready for occupancy by the middle of 2023. Rents will be pegged at no more than 30% of family income, which in many cases is less than half of what families are paying now for substandard properties with persistent mold, nonworking appliances, and a lack of air conditioning. Lower rents will free up needed money to buy food, clothing, medicines, and other necessities. The ripple effect will be economic growth and stability for the city of Immokalee.”
The first phase of the project is scheduled to be completed in early 2023. The full project will include 128 affordable rental units, a community center, and athletic fields upon completion.
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