SOUTHWEST REGION
$500,000 FCLF financing
Loan for acquisition and renovation
Permanent supportive housing for 6 individuals with developmental disabilities
“We are grateful for FCLF. When we visit our residents in their new home, we can already see the impact the funding is having, transforming the lives of adults with disabilities who, thanks to FCLF, Lee County, and ROOF, are now living independently, fully included in their community.” – Sheryl Soukup, Executive Director
Adults with developmental disabilities can have a difficult time finding affordable housing where they can also get the services they need. These individuals are typically low-income and can afford monthly rent of only between $225 and $600.
Residential Options of Florida, ROOF, was founded in 2014 to increase housing opportunities for Floridians with developmental disabilities, and to empower them to successfully obtain and maintain affordable and inclusive housing of their choice. ROOF has worked with organizations and individuals around the state, providing referral information, assisting in housing searches, and maintaining a resource library. The organization also helps local communities establish networks to create more affordable housing opportunities for disabled individuals, and conducts workshops around the state, including hosting a statewide conference on housing for people with developmental disabilities. In addition to services, networking, and education, ROOF builds and operates permanent supportive housing for adults with developmental disabilities.
With financing from Florida Community Loan Fund, ROOF will purchase 2 homes in Cape Coral, Florida that will be renovated and provide 6 permanent supportive housing units for adults with developmental disabilities. The bedrooms will be leased separately to low-income individuals, and if needed a care giver may also live on site. As permanent supportive housing, this project will link tenants to supportive services that will help them be successful. ROOF collaborates with various nonprofit and other organizations to provide these services. This and similar projects by ROOF provide a powerful impact for those who will live in the homes – not only because of the affordability of the housing, but also through the services that are available to residents.
ROOF in the News: Naples Florida Weekly, 11/19/2019
Sheryl Soukup, Executive Director of ROOF, shares her experience with Florida Community Loan Fund:
"Florida Community Loan Fund plays an integral part in helping ROOF achieve its mission. The funding provided by a recent FCLF loan has assisted ROOF in creating permanent supportive housing for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The funding was used by ROOF to acquire two single-family homes that are being rented to adults with disabilities who want to live independently with support services in their home. The funding is also being used by ROOF to complete renovations for ADA accessibility. In this way, FCLF is helping to provide accessible and affordable homes that are linked to support services for each resident, so that they may live independently to their full potential. FCLF provided financing to bridge the gap between closing on the homes and reimbursement from Lee County from CDBG funds. The project would not have been possible without this bridge loan, so all of us at ROOF are grateful for this funding opportunity from FCLF. When we visit our residents in their new home, we can already see the impact the funding is having, transforming the lives of adults with disabilities who, thanks to FCLF, Lee County, and ROOF, are now living independently, fully included in their community."
Pictured above: a sample single-family house that will be home to developmentally disabled adults.
