Thanks to Christopher Willie for last Sunday’s editorial “Progress on affordable housing.” Manatee County Habitat for Humanity knows what families are facing. We also know that there are solutions that work.
For 22 years Manatee Habitat has been providing a solution for affordable housing to a segment of working families in our community. It’s a housing model that has provided 125 working families with a long-term solution to their housing needs.
Contrary to what some believe, Manatee Habitat does not give away homes. What Habitat has always done and will continue to do is build and sell sustainable, affordable homes to qualifying home buyers. Home buyers who meet financial guidelines, complete “sweat equity” hours and save an escrow account to pay their insurance and taxes.
For the next two years, Habitat will be building homes in the City of Bradenton, thanks to a Community Development Block Grant from the city to purchase property.
Habitat can’t solve the housing problem, but we can do our part by providing 8-10 additional families with safe, decent, permanent housing. As support from the community through volunteers, donations and corporate partnerships increases, we can do even more.
We look forward to being “at the table” as a partner in developing a spectrum of affordable housing options for all individuals and families seeking to live in Manatee County.
DIANA SHOEMAKER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
BRADENTON
Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article94115072.html#storylink=cpy