Affordable Workforce Housing Update and Habitat – Collier’s Role

by Joe Trachtenberg

Three years have passed since Greater Naples Leadership (GNL) sponsored a well-attended forum an the affordable workforce housing crisis in Naples. While there’s little doubt shining a light on this critical problem got our county commissioners’ attention, the essence of the problem remains in place.

In the past three years several projects have been approved, although the majority of the beneficiaries are the more highly paid workers. HUD’s definition of affordable housing ends at 80% of Area Median Income (“AMI”). The County has elected to extend the definition to include so-called “moderate income” workers, up to 120% of AMI.

There is one local organization which, by definition, builds housing for the most vulnerable of our essential workers – and these homes are owned and not rentals. Habitat for Humanity of Collier County was created in 1978. Since that time, it has provided homes to more than 2,700 families, and 6,700 children.

There are 1,200 Habitat for Humanity affiliates in the United States.

Only five build more than 50 homes per year. Habitat – Collier consistently builds 90 – 100 homes per year and is the largest affiliate in the US. It is among the largest home builders in our county. Habitat Collier homeowners buy their homes and are often the hardest working members of our workforce. They work in our schools, our healthcare institutions, and our restaurants.

They build and repair our homes and cars, and care for our daily needs. They are our policemen, firefighters and EMT’s. Most would not qualify for conventional mortgages, due to their modest wages and the lack of affordable homes in our market. Each prospective family must undergo an exhaustive application process. To qualify families must earn no more than 80% of the Area Median Income. They must be citizens or legal residents of the US, be employed and have lived or worked in Collier County and be able to pay our unique interest-free mortgage.

In its 48 years of existence, Habitat – Collier has completed 14 communities. Several new ones are underway. A critical component is the donated labor by thousands of volunteers and the required volunteer building hours of all prospective homeowners.

Habitat – Collier maintains a four star rating from Charity Navigator. $.94 of every donated dollar is used to acquire land, build homes and serve families.

If housing is meaningful to you and you recognize the importance of getting it right, with the most basic of our human needs, Habitat – Collier needs your support. For more info, please connect with Habitat CEO Lisa Lefkow to learn more.

Joe Trachtenberg is past chairman of the Collier County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. He is a board member of Habitat for Humanity – Collier County and of Greater Naples Leadership