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New Horizons project update presented today

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For families in Apopka affordable housing is now closer than ever.

A partnership between Habitat Greater Orlando, Habitat Seminole Apopka, Homes in Partnership, and Orange County will provide affordable housing for families who meet certain income, needs, volunteer, and training requirements. The partnership will ensure the creation of the New Horizons, in South Apopka where 56 new homes will be constructed and sold to qualifying low-income households.

The New Horizons community will be placed where the former Hawthorne Village once stood. The Hawthorne Village property was acquired by Homes in Partnership in order to build these new homes. Groundbreaking is expected to occur in February 2017.

County Commissioner Bryan Nelson has scheduled an information session for today, Monday, August 22nd at 6:30 p.m. at the John Bridges Community Center in Apopka (445 W 13th St, Apopka, FL 32703).

"We are also looking for input from the community as to how we want the New Horizons to look," said Nelson. "Anyone who wants to contribute in any way to our mission of providing affordable housing is welcome to join us as well to learn about the numerous ways you can help families in our community."

County CommissionerBryan Nelson

Habitat for Humanity has served more than 4,500 men, women, and children in our community by painting and repairing over 200 homes and building and rehabilitating more than 280 homes in our area.

Habitat seeks to eliminate substandard or poverty housing and develop thriving communities by providing affordable home ownership for families in need.

Alleviating overcrowding is also considered as a qualifying need. Families temporarily living with other family members or friends may also qualify. A need for housing can also be shown if a person or family is currently living in a government subsidized or unaffordable house.

As part of the program, families must also show an ability to pay for maintenance, mortgage payments, and utilities. The family is required to have a stable income that falls between 30%-75% of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) median income, for a family of 4 the minimum income is $17,550 and the max income is $43,875. Other factors, such as budgeting, delinquent debt, and bankruptcy, hindering a family’s ability to pay are also taken in consideration.

Lastly, families must agree to partner with Habitat for Humanity. This includes at least 300 sweat equity hours for a single head of household or 500 hours for a dual head of household. There are several ways for applicants to provide sweat equity, including working on construction sites and at events such as the Home Builders Blitz or Women Build. Another way to volunteer is to work at one of the Habitat for Humanity Restore locations. Another partnership agreement is applicants must currently be working and/or living in Orange County for the past year. Applicants must also be legal US residents and must save for closing costs.

Click here and here for more information.

 

 

Habitat for Humanity, New Horizons Project, Orange County Commissioner Bryan Nelson

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