SOUTHWEST REGION
$1.4 million FCLF financing (6 loans)
Acquisition & rehab loans
Supportive housing & services for up to 52 individuals
"People who have a disabling condition should be afforded the same opportunity for the American Dream. By providing quality, affordable housing, people who are disabled or homeless can aspire to do great things as valued members of our community." – Scott Eller, CEO
A safe and stable place to live is essential, particularly for those who are experiencing homelessness as a result of mental health issues. Through independent and supportive housing programs, individuals are able to access the resources they need to live independently. By sharing a home with peers, individual residents can build a strong social network and, in turn, maximize their independence.
Community Assisted and Supported Living, CASL, provides safe, supportive, and affordable housing and needed services to adults with developmental disabilities, mental illness, or substance abuse problems. The organization also focuses on disabled veterans and homeless families and individuals. Serving 7 Florida counties CASL serves 600+ clients withhousing and supportive services. CASL homes are integrated in the community, and honor the residents' privacy to reduce stigmas and maximize individual success. CASL homes are tailored to support the individual needs, with licensed case workers and coaches who work with residents to provide living skills, personal hygiene training, medication management, and other assistance.
With financing from Florida Community Loan Fund, in 2016 CASL purchased 2 homes that provide 19-20 individuals with affordable, independent housing in a home setting, with additional services provided on site. In addition to providing housing and services, this project improves the neighborhood, as the two homes had been vacant for a year.
With additional FCLF financing in 2021, CASL purchased a home in Pinellas County with surrounding vacant land. The home will be renovated into supportive living apartments. The land will be developed into 6 or 7 additional structures, housing a total of 32 individuals with disabilities upon completion. The new community will be known as Independence Place, and will provide support and services through on-site staff. Additional funding for the project will come from public sources through the State of Florida PLP Loan and SAIL program.
FCLF also provided CASL with emergency financing for hurricane repairs in 2017 and in 2022.
For more information, visit www.caslinc.org.
Pictured above, a CASL supportive living facility. Below, formerly homeless individuals now live in CASL supportive housing.
