ORLANDO, Fla. — As Central Florida continues to grapple with an affordable housing crisis, two Central Florida Representatives just shared a funding announcement this week.
- Central Florida receiving $8M for affordable housing crisis
- Money to go to organizations working to increase affordable housing
- LIFT currently constructing over 100 units near Camping World Stadium
Stephanie Murphy and Darren Sotto say nearly $8 million is on the way from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for organizations that work to increase affordable housing in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties.
The Homeless Services Network, that offers rapid rehousing and leasing programs, received around $6 million.
For some, that means having a roof over your head for the first time in years.
Katherine Morrow was living in and out of shelters for the last five years, and living in the woods the last two. A few months ago, she received a call that changed her life.
"I remember when they first showed it to me. I was kind of looking around, I saw the walk-in closet. I said my tent could fit in the walk-in closet," Morrow said.
Morrow is now settled in Pendana at West Lakes, a complex of affordable housing backed by Orlando non-profit LIFT.
"I'm still getting used to the idea of having a home," Morrow said.
Currently, LIFT is constructing 120 one and two bedroom units near Camping World Stadium — trying to do their part to chip away at Central Florida's affordable housing crisis.