Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties
SOUTHWEST REGION$8.8 million FCLF financing (5 loans)
Land acquisition & predevelopment loans
615 affordable homes for ownership
The need for decent, affordable homes in Southwest Florida continues to increase. In 2016, the Cape Coral-Fort Myers area was the number 1 rent-burdened area in the country, with a 29% spike in average monthly rental costs. As one of the first affiliates of Habitat for Humanity International, Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties has addressed this need for over 30 years, with over 1,400 homes provided.
Florida Community Loan Fund has partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties since 2010. Financing for land acquisition and pre-development costs have helped families break the chains of poverty through homeownership in the following communities:
Rosemary Park, Bonita Springs. The Garcia family (pictured) was living with relatives in a cramped 16x16-foot trailer – a total of seven people. Now in their Habitat Home, the Garcias are enjoying the freedom of owning their own home in Renaissance at Rosemary Park in Bonita Springs, a community of ten homes.- Majorca Palms, Fort Myers. Majorca Palms is a planned unit development of 150 twin villa rental units in east Fort Myers, started in 2005 by a private developer. With infrastructure for the project fully completed, only 60 units were done when the project fell into bankruptcy. With financing from FCLF, Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties purchased the development in October 2013, with plans to build 42 single-family homes on the remaining lots, and ultimately offer the rental villas for purchase. With two different home types, Habitat will be able to address homeownership for families with varying low incomes.
- Tice Road Development, Fort Myers. A 60+ acre parcel of land will soon be the site of 200 to 220 single family homes for new homeowners. This is a continuation of Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties' strategy to purchase tracts of land and develop affordable subdivisions, rather than relying on single home sites as they become available.
- North Diplomat Community, North Fort Myers. Purchase of this 39+ acre parcel of land will enable Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties to build 133 homes for low- and very low-income Habitat homeowners. Northeast of downtown Fort Myers, these homes will have easy access to major roads and businesses, including a nearby VA clinic.
- Heritage Heights, Fort Myers. A 26-acre parcel of land will be transformed into a community of 150 new, affordable homes for Habitat homeowners. With a focus on building neighborhoods – rather than just houses – Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties obtained financing from FCLF for infrastructure construction. The area has easy access to major roads with an elementary school and soccer field nearby.
“We are proud to partner with FCLF on this project, which expands access to innovative, quality, comprehensive primary healthcare in our communities.” – Annie Neasman, President & CEO
Jessie Trice Community Health
"FCLF has a keen knowledge of Florida challenges & opportunities. We are confident our investment will be used to improve lives." – Kathleen Rizzo Young, Sr. VP, Community Development
HSBC Bank USA, N.A.
"FCLF staff shares our vision and commitment to serve needy families and provide a high quality education to all children." – Thomas Cole, Founder
Emma Jewel Charter Academy
"FCLF demonstrates a mission-oriented philosophy that is compatible and supportive, broadens our platform and deepens our portfolio of products and services." – Kent Adcock, CEO
Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter
"Our relationship with FCLF provides the capital to achieve long-lasting impact." – Terri Murray, Exec Dir
Neighborhood Renaissance
"It is really working. FCLF is really touching low-income people." – Florida Community Loan Fund Founding Board Member
Sister Mary Heyser, RSHM
"We commend the important work of your organization, are glad to support its efforts." – Beverly Dabney
JPMorgan Chase Foundation
"FCLF plays a significant role in sustaining vibrant and thriving communities. We are pleased to support your ongoing community based efforts." – Ernie Diaz, South Florida Market President
TD Charitable Foundation
"We're thrilled to partner with FCLF to make our project a reality to serve generations of kids in our community." – Dawn Stanhope, President & CEO
Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County
"Cade Museum is proud to be partners with FCLF and JPMorgan Chase. Thanks to the NMTC Program, we will provide a transformative asset to our community." – Jennifer Denault, COO
Cade Museum for Creativity & Inventi…
"FCLF is a difference maker! Their team provides solutions to bring about real change in a community." – Tim Marks, President & CEO
Metropolitan Ministries
“We cannot thank FCLF enough for this partnership, creating permanent housing for our neighbors in need, and their commitment to Florida communities.” – Shannon Nazworth, President & CEO
Ability Housing
"Thank you to our friends at FCLF. Your staff has been patient and helpful. We'll make you proud!" – Bill Lazar, Executive Director
St. Johns Housing Partnership
"Trinity Health is happy to partner with FCLF. We look forward to seeing the impact in the communities you serve." – Sr. Kathleen Coll, SSJ, Administrator, Shareholder Advocacy
Trinity Health
"We appreciate how the work of FCLF primarily benefits low- to moderate-income individuals and areas and supports the needs of our community." – Maria J. Thompson, Community Development Manager
Third Federal Savings
“FCLF is much more than a financing entity; they are the ultimate partner. They are on the front line protecting and building resources for the most vulnerable in our community."– Seth Eisenberg
Purpose Built Families Foundation
"FCLF has proven its community impact and hard work. We are proud to partner with FCLF." – Leslie Watson, Analyst, Community Investments
Dignity Health
“Thanks to FCLF we’re able to provide brand-new safe, affordable homes for 90 families in a sustainable mixed-use, mixed-income community." – Mitchell Rosenstein, Founder & Principal
Green Mills Group
“Thank you so very much for the exceptional services. We truly value FCLF’s contributions to furthering our mission." – Michael L. Bean, CEO
Housing Authority of Brevard County
"We consider FCLF a valued partner and strong advocates for low-income communities and families. We look forward to many more years of working together." – Jennifer Westerbeck, Vice President