CENTRAL REGION
$3.94 million FCLF financing
Construction loan for 25 affordable rental apartments
“The Aurora Palms community is designed to ensure housing stability for individuals and families with modest means while also providing young adults aging out of foster care an opportunity to cultivate self-sufficient independence as they exit the foster care system.” – Michael Bean, CEO, Housing Authority of Brevard County
In Brevard County, as in so many areas of Florida, there is a growing population of individuals and families who have limited income, which makes it difficult to find an affordable home. In addition, there is a great need for safe, affordable housing and services for youth aging out of foster care in Florida. The Housing Authority of Brevard County works to provide solutions for these and other issues.
The Housing Authority of Brevard County (HABC) has been in operation since 1950 to provide and develop quality, affordable housing opportunities while promoting self-sufficiency and neighborhood revitalization for the community. The Brevard HA and its “sister agency” the Melbourne Housing Authority currently manage over 2,600 affordable homes in 15 communities.
The new Aurora Palms community includes 25 newly constructed 2-bedroom, affordable apartments aimed to provide affordable workforce housing for individuals and families including firefighters, teachers, social workers, and others who have difficulty finding affordable rental homes. Recognizing that housing instability is one of the most prominent problems facing individuals exiting foster care, the community will also reserve several housing units for young adults aging out of foster care in Brevard County.
In addition, this program will include an income qualified employee living on-site to assist youth exiting foster care with their transition to independent living. As the project develops, HABC will receive feedback from Brevard Family Partnership’s Youth Leadership Council of foster youth committed to giving foster youth voice and choice in impacting change in foster care policy and practice.
Florida Community Loan Fund provided $3.94 million in financing to the Housing Authority of Brevard for the construction of Aurora Palms. All apartments are fully accessible, include energy-efficient features to keep costs low for residents, and meet hurricane resistant building standards. The property is located adjacent to a large municipal park and recreation area, a community center, and close to primary and middle schools with public transportation made convenient with a bus stop located directly in front of the site. Construction began in fall 2019 and units were ready for occupancy in May 2020.
In addition to providing housing, HABC offers services for qualifying residents such as education, job training, cultural enrichment, citizen involvement, and coordination of health and medical services.
Learn more about Housing Authority of Brevard County: www.habc.us
View more photos of Aurora Palms here in FCLF's Flickr album.
