Habitat for Humanity Collier County announces new and affordable neighborhood

Collier County’s Habitat for Humanity team has announced the building of a new neighborhood of affordable homes. But here is an application process…

After the rigorous application process, Yani Rodriguez cannot contain her excitement. “I’m so excited! Really?!”

This is the moment the single mom found out she’ll be a habitat homeowner in the new ‘Vincent’s Acres.’

“This is where we’re going to make so many memories… oh my God,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez and her four-year-old son, Christian, have struggled to find affordable housing in Collier County. This forced them into a cramped apartment. But the final straw was a shooting at the complex.

“It’s terrifying. the first thing I did is run to my son’s room to make sure he was OK,” she said.

So, she turned to Habitat for Humanity in Collier County for help. They provide interest-free mortgages on new homes to employed people who’ve lived or worked in the County for at least a year.

CEO of Collier County Habitat for Humanity, Lisa Lefkow says cases like Yani’s are not uncommon. “In the vicinity of 1,650 units of affordable housing are needed new each year just to meet the growing demand,” she said.

The pandemic has created even more need for affordable housing. As families rebuild their lives and find jobs, Habitat hopes their 11th development will help. Vincent’s Acres will be located off exit 101 of I-75.

“Vincent’s acres will be home to 79 families at completion we do anticipate that all families will be moved in by June 2021,” Lefkow said.

Living in Vincent’s Acre will fulfill Rodriguez’s lifelong dream. “I’m an immigrant I came from Cuba…I never thought in a million years that I was going to be able to afford a house for me and my son,” she said.

Now, she hopes to make memories for years to come. Habitat for Humanity in Collier says they have about 20 units left in the new complex. To apply and for more information, you can go here.