[CO-CURE] NOT: Disabled housing in Port Charlotte FLA

[Guest guest]

01/17/06

Goodwill to build Port Charlotte housing complex

for disabled

$1.6  million in federal funds will cover construction & rent subsidies

Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida Inc. will begin construction 

soon on its second housing complex for disabled Charlotte County 

residents, a spokeswoman for the nonprofit organization said Monday.

The 14-unit complex, which will include two two-bedroom units and 12 

one-bedroom units, will be built on a tract of land near the 

organization's Port Charlotte store at 2325 Tamiami Trail, said 

spokeswoman Carolyn .

" The objective is to provide barrier-free housing for physically 

disabled, low-income residents to enhance their independence so they 

don't have to feel forced to live with family or friends, " said 

. " There's been a two-year wait for space in all our 

complexes, and after Hurricane Charley, the need is likely even 

greater. "

said the complex will be built with $1.6 million provided by 

the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.

That amount includes the anticipated cost of building the new 

complex, as well as more than $200,000 to provide rent subsidies for 

especially needy tenants, said.

It is expected to open in late 2007, she said.

Under the agreement with HUD, the federal agency will own the complex 

and Goodwill will manage it. After 10 years, Goodwill will have the 

option of taking ownership of the complex.

The organization currently operates a 12-unit complex at 216 West 

Street in Punta Gorda, as well as 10 complexes in Lee County.

" Altogether, we're housing about 300 people right now, " said . 

" This is another step for us toward fulfilling our mission throughout 

our five-county service area. We're going where there's a need, and 

right now we see the greatest need for a new complex in Port Charlotte. "

said the new complex will offer features similar to 

Goodwill's 11 other complexes in Lee and Charlotte counties, 

including an on-site manager's office, a resident community room and 

laundry facility, lowered security viewers on front doors, lowered 

countertops and sinks, extra-wide hallways and closets, wheelchair-

accessible showers and safety grab bars in the bathrooms.

The organization's housing management arm, Goodwill GWI Housing Inc., 

will begin accepting applications from prospective residents of the 

new complex 90 days before its completion.

Under requirements established by HUD, applicants must be at least 18 

years old, physically disabled, make a low income and be the head of 

the household if approved for a unit.

All applicants will be subjected to a criminal background and credit 

check, and must be able to live independently.

" If they need supportive services, it must be arranged and paid for 

by the tenant, " explained.

For further information about the new complex or to learn more about 

the required qualifications for residents, call on at 

.