CENTRAL REGION
FCLF LOAN $205,000
CONSTRUCTION LOAN
4 rental apartments for formerly homeless women 

House of Israel was established in 1997 to provide housing and programs to formerly homeless women. The faith-based organization helps women suffering from alcohol and drug addictions as well as mental health disorders, all factors contributing to homelessness. House of Israel offers a place to live for those who participate in appropriate programs, which help the women conquer addictions and establish new life skills.

The Executive Director of House of Israel, Ms. Maurice Nelson, formerly found herself in need of help such as she provides to these women today. Based on her experience and determination to help others, Ms. Nelson opened the first House of Israel operation in 2000, and since then has helped over 125 women through three locations in Ft. Meade, Florida. Of these clients, all have participated in educational opportunities and 80% have successfully reintegrated into their communities and are currently employed.

With a loan from Florida Community Loan Fund, House of Israel will build a new 4-unit apartment building to provide housing for their program. (Pictured above: the land being cleared in preparation for construction.) Additional funds for the project are provided by a federal grant.

In this rural community in Polk County, House of Israel provides a safe home and counseling to start a new life for women who otherwise might not have that opportunity.

For more information, visit www.hoionline.org.

Pictured below, Ms. Maurice Nelson, from an article in the Lakeland Ledger.

View more photos of House of Israel on FCLF's Flickr Page.