DCF Awards $365,175 to Ability Housing of Northeast Florida, Inc. | Community Spirit

The Florida Department of Children and Families has awarded Ability Housing of Northeast Florida $365,175 to support the local nonprofit’s mission to provide quality, affordable housing for adults with a disability and others at risk of homelessness.  The grant is just one of six Homeless Housing Assistance Grants awarded statewide and will support Ability Housing’s efforts to rehabilitate 34 apartments into permanent housing for homeless families.

“People have a preconceived notion of who the homeless are.  But, in reality, they’re our neighbors.  Families with children are the fastest growing homeless population in our community.  Something has to be done; the lasting impacts on those children and our community will be tremendous.” stated Ability Housing executive director, Shannon Nazworth.  “The Department of Children and Families’ support will be leveraged with other resources to make a major impact on our community and help people truly in need.”
Last year’s report on the homeless populations in Duval, Clay, Nassau, and Baker Counties identified 4,105 homeless persons in Duval County on the day of the census. This represents an increase of over 19% from the previous year’s homeless census.

“We recognize that our economy is still struggling, and that many people are feeling the pain of coping with economic challenges,” said Nancy Dreicer, Northeast Region Director of the Department of Children and Families.  “Grants like this help keep families together, and that’s why we’re proud to support Ability Housing’s efforts to help prevent homelessness.”

Using a combination of several government programs and private equity investments, Ability Housing is transforming Mayfair Village Apartments from a once neglected apartment community into a neighborhood asset while providing rents affordable to families in need.

The renovation was begun in October and is nearly 70% complete.  “I’ve lived in Mayfair Village since 1980 and I’ve noticed a lot of great changes within this community since Ability Housing has taken over.  My new apartment is gorgeous. I love the color inside as well as outside. I’m so excited to have brand new appliances, cabinets, counter tops and floors. And the bathroom is just beautiful.” said a Mayfair resident.

Ability Housing is the only nonprofit in our community with a mission focus of developing and operating quality, affordable, rental housing that provides a permanent solution to the homeless issue plaguing our community; provides housing affordable to the community’s most vulnerable households; and revitalizes neighborhoods affected by detrimental rental properties.

Along with its multi-family projects, Ability Housing operates CASA, an award-winning project providing quality housing to adults with cognitive disabilities.  The project consists of 29 single-family homes scattered throughout Jacksonville.  Each is rented affordably to adults with disabilities, enabling them to live independently.  “We like the neighborhood and enjoy living in this area of Jacksonville.  It is convenient to bus transportation, to my work and grocery shopping.  I have learned how to pay bills, take care of the yard and share in household chores.  I feel that I am becoming more independent by living here.  Thank you.” stated one of the CASA residents.

“Seeing the properties transformed is wonderful.  But knowing the impact we’re having on the lives of the families that we serve, that’s why we all work so hard.” explained Nazworth.  To learn more about Ability Housing, visit their website at www.abilityhousing.org or follow the progress of the Mayfair Village renovation at www.facebook.com/AbilityHousing.