The City of Sanibel and Community Housing & Resources celebrate every day that their 42-year partnership keeps going strong.
“It is critically important to have affordable housing here on the island,” said Sanibel City Manager Dana Souza. “CHR has been a partner with the City as its housing foundation for many, many years and is deeply woven into the fabric of our community.”
In 1983, the City passed an ordinance establishing its Affordable Housing Program. CHR has worked alongside Sanibel ever since. “CHR housing blends right into the community,” Souza said. “There are duplexes and triplexes or multi-family units that are available, and CHR develops them architecturally to fit into the island’s character.”
That fit isn’t limited to buildings. Souza said commuting costs reduce island employees’ incomes, which is one reason affordable housing is needed. But there’s another reason: the fabric of the community itself.
“Affordable housing adds a tremendous benefit in that people who work here daily can also live here,” he said. “People understand a community better when they’re part of it. They volunteer and raise families here, which helps build that sense of place for everyone.”
The City provides a portion of administrative costs, helping CHR to keep critical financial resources focused on its mission. “CHR provides a great service. They’re active in the community and have a tremendous track record for delivering on what they say they’re going to do,” said Souza. “CHR is one of the most respected organizations on the island, and we love them!”
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