In the fall of 2001, The Coalition for the Hungry and Homeless of Brevard County (CHH) celebrated the grand opening of its transitional housing program for veterans with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Titusville. The WIN/VET ("When In Need - Veterans Transitional Housing") Program was designed to reduce the number of homeless veterans living in the woods, streets or in shelters by enhancing their personal dignity, self-worth and quality of life. All participants establish a personal improvement contract with their case manager, and supportive services are available to meet an individual's unique needs and goals.
CHH is doing its part to help address the needs of the homeless. But who are the homeless in Florida?
According to the statewide Florida Coalition for the Homeless, 73% are state residents, 35% are families, 49% are single males, 16% are single females, 41% suffer from alcoholism and/or drug abuse problems, 23% are reported to be mentally ill, and 27% are afflicted with both mental illness and substance abuse problems.
A $180,000 line of credit with the Loan Fund allowed CHH to purchase homes for the WIN/VET supportive housing program, as appropriate properties were found. Four homes inconspicuously located at scattered sites in North Brevard were acquired during 2002, allowing veterans to live in neighborhoods conveniently located near shopping, medical services, social services and mainstream resources. CHH's acquisition and rehabilitation of 4 single family homes provides transitional housing for 21 homeless veterans.
In 2003-06, the Loan Fund provided five new loans for pre-development costs and to acquire both undeveloped land and a single-family home for future use for home ownership for clients who are ready to move out of CHH's supportive housing arrangements. With its most recent loan in 2006, CHH has had a total of 9 loans with FCLF, for a total of $965,000.
One of these projects, Tropic Hammock Apartments, consists of 10 affordable rental apartments in a nicely wooded location in Titusville. The green built 2-story building is of insulated concrete form (ICF) construction, contains energy efficient HVAC and appliances, and other green features. Tropic Hammock residents are very low- to low-income military, disabled veterans and their children, and low-income families. One population they hope to serve that has increased recently is disabled women veterans with children. Support services are also available to residents. With a revolving line of credit from the Loan Fund and other public financing, the Coalition for the Hungry and Homeless of Brevard County, Inc. is able to avoid long-term debt financing that would limit the affordability of the units to very low-income residents. Tropic Hammock had its grand opening in May 2009.
NOTE: CLICK ON PHOTOS AT RIGHT TO ENLARGE.
PHOTOS: (1) Grand opening celebration for new WIN/VET housing site held on 9/21/02 (2) Victory Village affordable housing site (3) Paradise Lane supportive home site.
