SOUTH REGION
$34.8 million TOTAL PROJECT
$21 million FCLF FEDERAL NMTC ALLOCATION
Construction of 39,963 sq-ft new facility providing behavioral healthcare and related services
Estimated reach 11,687 annually
88 Temporary and 295 Permanent Jobs estimated
"We are very grateful for Florida Community Loan Fund’s NMTC partnership that has made possible the expansion of our Agape Village Health Center, a National Model of Integrated Health Care and Social Services. This expansion will double Agape's capacity to fulfill its mission of restoring individuals and families to psychological, social, physical, and spiritual health. Thank you FCLF for restoring communities and helping at risk populations reach their full God-given potential.” – Claudio M. Perez, President/CEO, The Agape Network, Inc.
Located in Miami-Dade County, the Agape Health Network was founded in 1983 to serve minority populations often underserved by the healthcare system and disproportionately affected by substance use disorders. A leader in its field in serving Black and Latino populations, it has since become a model for integrated behavioral healthcare and residential treatment.
With financing through the New Markets Tax Credit program, Agape Network is building the Agape Village Health Center: nearly 40,000 sq ft in multiple buildings which will include a health and counseling center, 8 supportive housing cottages, an early childhood education center, and a teaching kitchen. Services provided at the Village will include primary healthcare, behavioral healthcare, parenting and family development education, life skills training, job readiness counseling, day care and early childhood education.
The new Agape Village will nearly double the former capacity and serve 11,687 clients annually, including 141 beds of supportive housing. The populations served are highly disadvantaged and often uninsured, all with mental health and/or substance abuse problems. The majority are below Federal poverty level with incomes typically less than $14,000 a year. This project transforms the Goulds neighborhood and provides a community centerpiece that ultimately supports all of Miami-Dade County.
For over 30 years, Agape has enjoyed the support of federal, state and local elected officials, federal and state agencies, law enforcement, federal and state court systems, corrections, healthcare institutions, public school system, universities, the business community, community-based organizations, and foundations. The U.S. District Court, Florida Dept. of Children & Families, and local courts refer individuals to Agape for treatment and/or supervision.
Florida Community Loan Fund (FCLF) provided $21 million in federal NMTCs for Agape Village Health Center. The investor is U.S. Bank CDC with additional financing from City National Bank. Black Business Investment Fund provided additional NMTCs. The project aligns with Miami-Dade County’s Targeted Urban Area plan, which focuses on critical issues that impact the economic vitality of predominantly African American communities. This transaction was completed in December 2021.
“Agape Village Health Center is a wonderful project that will soon provide a significant expansion of needed health services to Miami-Dade County. Agape has tremendous support from the community. However, even with that support, but for New Markets Tax Credits, this major expansion would just not be possible.” – Nelson Black, Chief Lending Officer, Florida Community Loan Fund
Community Profile:
- 27% Poverty Rate
- Income 63% of AMI (area median income)
- Unemployment Rate at 1.5x the National Average
- Medically Underserved Area / Population, Food Desert, Designated Target Urban Area, FEMA Disaster Zone
Pictured above, architectural rendering of the Agape Village Health Center.
