Providing affordable housing with supportive services to homeless families with school children
The Florida Department of Education reported that of 79,032 children enrolled in the Brevard County public school system, 2,765 were homeless. Their families were living in cars, motels, shelters, campgrounds or were doubled up with others. The department also cited lack of affordable housing as primary reason for their homelessness.
On Mar 15, 2019, WFTV, Channel 9 in Orlando, reported that Central Florida was now the worst area in the country for affordable housing, eclipsing Los Angeles, California and Las Vegas, Nevada. The report described Central Florida’s condition as “Critical,” as 87% of families seeking housing were unsuccessful.
On May 24, 2019, St. Stephen's Way (SSW) was given 8-acres of land on Crane Creek in Melbourne and they are now in the final stages of land studies and engineering to create plans to submit to the City of Melbourne for building permits. The plan is to build forty apartments and a community center building. All housing units will be together as a community in single story buildings. Each building will house 3 to 6 units and consist of 3 bedrooms and two bathrooms. The goal is to charge $600 per month for each unit and the entire project will be self-sustaining financially upon completion. SSW looks forward to a beautiful residential community,
with sidewalks, flowers, shrubs and trees and tenants who live as close neighbors, each supportive of all others.
Next weekend, Aug 24/25, SSW will be in the Atrium, after all Masses, with literature, to answer questions and assist those who wish to volunteer or partner with us to make this dream a reality. Please also join us on Mon, Aug 26, at 7:00 pm, in the Community Room for a video presentation of our Master Plan for this community.
Thanks for your interest and May God continue to bless you.
Info-Eddie Struttmann, President of the Board, Deacon John Farrell, www.ssway.org, dcnjohnfarrell@gmail.com, 321-749-9885.