Shelter and IFHA join forces to provide accessible housing in Immokalee

The Shelter and the Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance (IFHA) broke ground, April 8, 2024, on a new Transitional Living Apartment complex, that will serve Shelter participants. This groundbreaking partnership marks a significant step in both organization’s commitment to creating accessible housing for vulnerable communities.

IFHA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating substandard and overcrowded rental housing for farmworker families and other low-income residents of Immokalee, is close to completing construction of its first apartment building, set to welcome its first tenants soon.  At the same time, the organization has joined forces with The Shelter for Abused Women & Children to address the pressing need for safe and secure housing for families recovering from the impacts of domestic violence. This exciting collaboration involves the construction of a second apartment building, which will be exclusively leased to the Shelter’s participants.

This collaboration exemplifies IFHA’s commitment to expanding its reach and impact in the community. By providing a haven for those escaping abusive environments, IFHA aims to create a supportive and nurturing environment for families to build and rebuild their lives.

“We are excited to partner with The Shelter for Abused Women & Children to extend our mission of providing safe, affordable, hurricane resistant housing for some of the most vulnerable people in our area,” said Dr. Arol Buntzman, Board Chair at IFHA. “This collaboration reflects our dedication to strengthening the community by fostering health, education, dignity and financial stability, empowering individuals and families to thrive.”

According to Shelter CEO Linda Oberhaus, the need for safe, affordable housing for survivors leaving emergency shelter is especially significant in Immokalee.

“Collaborating with the Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance has been a dream come true for The Shelter and the individuals we serve,” said Shelter CEO Linda Oberhaus. “Affordable housing remains a top need for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. When we established the Shelly Stayer Shelter in Immokalee in 2020, our plans included the future construction of Transitional Living Cottages within that property. Through this partnership with the Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance, we have been able to expedite and expand the availability of our transitional living program to many more survivors and their families.”

These Transitional Living apartments will provide an empowerment-based, safe and secure living environment for 16 families as they continue to work toward self-sufficiency. In addition to housing, the program includes outreach services, counseling, and financial education.

All necessary agreements, including the lease with The Shelter, have been diligently finalized. Construction on the leased building is slated to commence in March 2024.