Naples, FL (June 23, 2020) —The United Way of Collier and the Keys recently awarded a grant of $50,000 to Habitat for Humanity of Collier County to help bring affordable housing opportunities to families in Collier County.
The United Way of selected Habitat Collier as a partner in their FY 2020-21 Project Alice initiative, a program that looks to make homeownership a reality for low-wage earning, critical workers in Collier County.
“One of the most important facets of the work that we do at Habitat has always been a strong reliance on partnership, and we’re grateful for partners who know the importance of a safe and decent home,” says Habitat Collier CEO, Rev. Lisa Lefkow. “As many of us know, housing affordability is a tremendous challenge in this community and it is one that can only be addressed with all of us working together. This gift from the United Way will go a long way towards making affordable homeownership possible for another family in our community.”
The “Alice” in Project Alice, refers to the acronym ALICE which is a term for those in a community who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed. Because of insufficient wages, these workers are squeezed out of the conventional mortgage process.
For so many who live and work in Collier County, the cost of living far outpaces their earnings. These families struggle to afford basic necessities, including housing, often resorting to overcrowded or unsafe rental units because they have nowhere else to turn. Habitat Collier is the only organization in Collier County that is focused exclusively on helping low-wage earning families purchase affordable homes.
About Habitat for Humanity of Collier County
Habitat for Humanity of Collier County’s goal is to empower struggling families to build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. Habitat Collier is one of the oldest and most successful Habitat affiliates in the nation. For more than 40 years, they have served the needs of Collier County’s workforce, building homes in partnership with families, volunteers and donors, and then selling them with an affordable mortgage. Since 1978, Habitat Collier has built more than 2,200 homes in Naples and Immokalee. For more information, visit HabitatCollier.org.
###