KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Officials say phones have been ringing nonstop as renovations continue and people try to get their name on the list for units at the city of Kissimmee’s new affordable housing project.

What You Need To Know

  • Renovations continue at Kissimmee's new The Haven on Vine affordable housing complex

  • The project was made possible by a $1.8 million HUD grant

  • The money is being used to renovate a former hotel and convert it into affordable housing

  • Some units have already opened up, while others are still in the renovation process

The project, called The Haven on Vine, was made possible by a $1.8 million HUD grant given to the city to renovate a former hotel and convert it into affordable housing.

When complete, the complex will have 40 emergency bridge housing units and 83 designated as affordable housing. The project is expected to open completely by the end of the year.

This property is divided into three phases — the first one that is almost complete includes renovating dozens of two-bedroom apartments. The second phase includes renovating studio apartments, while the final phase will consist of emergency housing.

Krista Eldridge has lived in a first-phase apartment at The Haven On Vine since late January.

“I was one of the very first units that they opened up for families in the back,” she said.

She had been living in hotels after being released from prison three years ago, but is now in a stable housing situation.

She now has a full-time job and an affordable housing unit, something she says played a key part in getting her life back on track.

Officials with the Homeless Services Network tells Spectrum News in January 2023, 2,258 people in Central Florida were experiencing homelessness and were living in temporary shelters. Of that number, 587 were unsheltered or living on the streets, in woods or in cars — a 75% increase from 2019.

Spectrum News toured Kissimmee’s affordable housing project Thursday with Deputy City Manager Desiree Matthews.

She showed Spectrum News one of the 43 units that will be converted into studio apartments.

“Which would include adding kitchens, making some changes to the bathrooms,” she said.

Matthews said the city is targeting families facing housing insecurity.

She said more than 3,000 children within the Osceola County School District are facing housing insecurity.

“We want to make sure the units were ready for housing the families now, so we worked on the interior first,” she said.

Families with children, those who are disabled, victims of domestic violence, seniors and veterans are a priority, Matthews said.

“We’re just at a point of crisis," she said. "It has to do with the fact there’s not enough of the diversity in the affordable housing range."

She said some families don’t meet minimum income requirements for available housing units.

“Right now, we're finding there are families that can’t even afford the most affordable units,” she said.

The rents range from $788 to $1,500, and are based on a person’s income.

Eldridge said she’s grateful for the housing stability she can now enjoy.

“There should be affordable housing for the ones that really want it, and want to work hard and hustle,” she said.

Matthews said funding from the state will also help with upgrades on fire suppression and sprinkler systems throughout the property.

Right now, she there is a waitlist for apartments.

Kissimmee officials said the project is a small part of the solution, but they can’t do it alone, and are asking for funding, and help from developers, landlords, and providers.