Habitat for Humanity announces agreement with FEMA on temporary housing for Ian survivors in Heritage Heights
FORT MYERS, Fla. – Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties is proud to partner with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on a land-lease agreement that will provide property for temporary housing in the Heritage Heights neighborhood for families displaced due to Hurricane Ian.
In search of available land for a temporary housing community, FEMA reached out to Habitat about establishing an agreement to lease a portion of undeveloped property within phase two of the Heritage Heights development. The lease will allow FEMA to provide and maintain temporary housing on Habitat’s property until families can safely return home. The site will include a separate road to access housing units for 58 families, enclosed by a privacy fence.
“While this is a short-term solution, our property is truly a gift to those who remain displaced following the hurricane, and we are grateful for the opportunity to support them through FEMA,” says Becky Lucas, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties.
Located in Harlem Heights, Heritage Heights is northwest of HealthPark Medical Center and offers residents a quick work commute to Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel Island, Cape Coral and Fort Myers. The location also provides convenient access to public transportation, hospitals and medical centers while increasing economic opportunities for residents.
As of this month, FEMA reported more than 1,150 households have received assistance through multiple temporary housing options, with more than half residing in Lee County. Of those needing FEMA housing, 66% are homeowners who suffered the loss or significant damage to their homes, and the remaining 34% are renters. As a faith-based housing ministry, Habitat’s hope is to work alongside those homeowners through hurricane recovery home repairs and renters by offering a path to affordable homeownership.
For media inquiries related to FEMA’s Direct Temporary Housing Mission in Florida, contact 407-548-6055 or email FEMA-DR-4673-4680-FL-Newsdesk@
About Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties
Celebrating 40 years of service and the impact of home, Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties is proudly driven by its vision for a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Since 1982, Habitat has partnered with nearly 1,800 families to help them achieve their dream of affordable homeownership. In addition to putting in 300 hours of sweat equity into building their own homes, Habitat Homeowners also contribute to their closing costs, attend more than 20 hours of financial education classes, and pay an affordable mortgage set at no more than 30% of their monthly income. As a builder, developer, mortgage lender, housing counseling agency, and retail operator, Habitat works to bring people together to build homes, community, and hope. Through volunteering and providing financial or material donations, everyone can help Lee and Hendry County families achieve strength, stability, and independence. For more information, visit www.habitat4humanity.org.