City leaders, donors, supporters and Habitat staff gathered together to dedicate and bless the land of Habitat’s new Prospect Avenue neighborhood.
On Thursday, May 19th, Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties staff, volunteers, sponsors, and city leaders gathered on a six-acre plot of land off Prospect Avenue in Fort Myers to dedicate the newest Habitat HOA neighborhood within city limits. During the event, Bishop Eric Johnson of New Life Worship Center, blessed not only the land, but 29 Bibles as well, which represented the 29 future homeowners who will one day live in the community.
“A neighborhood like this means that 29 families will have an affordable place to call home, meaning they won’t be paying more than 30% of their income on rent. Families will be able to have a stable home in a neighborhood where they work, where their family goes to church, and where their kids go to school,” explained Habitat CEO Becky Lucas. “It’s important that we are developing affordable homes and neighborhoods in areas where families desire to live.”
The timing of this project within Fort Myers city limits coincides with the completion of another Fort Myers Habitat neighborhood, Majorca Palms. That community sits off Ortiz and will serve a total of 102 families.
Fort Myers Ward one councilmember Teresa Watkins Brown attended the dedication ceremony and spoke to the importance of affordable housing in the city.
“It’s hard right now for people to be able to find a place to live and the rent is increasing so high that people cannot afford to buy a place to live,” she said. “So, having Habitat to come in and to provide hope for 29 families is very important.”
Building will begin in December 2022 on the first two lots, and Habitat is currently accepting applications.
