GADSDEN COUNTY, FL — Gadsden County leaders use a $750,000 grant to rebuild and restore homes as affordable housing needs persist.
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Safe and affordable housing remains a major need in Gadsden County, with thousands of families facing challenges from high costs to unsafe living conditions. Now, county leaders are working to close that gap through a $750,000 Community Development Block Grant.
The county is funding five housing projects focused on rebuilding and restoring homes in unincorporated areas. Two are already complete, with three more on the way, but officials say the need goes far beyond that.
Sonya Burns, the housing coordinator with Gadsden County, told me funding like this only stretches so far. Once all five homes are complete, the county will have to apply for another grant to continue the work, leaving many families still waiting for help.
"I'm proud to help make safe and sanitary for our residents in Gadsden County. I just love helping people.So if I can help change someone's life I've done something," Burns said.
Tracy Stallworth, a Quincy resident who has lived in the area since 2008, said learning there is help to revitalize parts of where he lives was a win-win.
"With respects there are a lot of dilapidated homes here that need to be refurbished and people need to get access and the SHIP program through Sonya Burns has opened the door for access," Stallworth said.
"This gives me an opportunity to advocate on a local level but also on a state level that we need assistance we need some funding to be able to help people refurbish their homes here and I was excited," Stallworth said.
Those behind the program say even a small number of homes can have a lasting impact. Gadsden County Commissioner for District 2 Alonzetta Simpkins said the program brings purpose to the community.
"This is going to fulfill and much need for the citizen. And when we're able to fill that need fill those gaps this is what this is going to do for that citizen. Being able to walk into this home… them knowing the way that they left it and coming in again an essentially new home that just brings joy, fulfillment and purpose,"Simpkins said.
For families receiving help, these homes represent a fresh start, but for many others, the wait continues.County leaders say expanding access to safe housing will depend on securing more resources and building on programs like this.
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