provided to The Santiva Chronicle
Florida weather makes it easy to commute on two wheels most of the time; Florida traffic, not so much. That’s one reason Ray Barr says Community Housing & Resources has saved his life.
After Hurricane Ian destroyed his rental home on Sanibel Island, Ray found himself living in Fort Myers and riding his Vespa motor scooter to and from work — a dangerous gamble on busy roads. He longed to return to Sanibel. But as an hourly worker at a restaurant, he couldn’t afford the growing costs.
“I wasn’t sure how to do it,” he said. “I knew about CHR but didn’t think they’d have anything for me.”
Ray fell in love with Sanibel after leaving Maine in 2004. “Sanibel just grew on me,” said Ray. “I really don’t know anyplace else that feels like this. It’s really become home.”
He worked several jobs over the years, taking on roommates to keep housing affordable. When Ian struck, that wasn’t an option anymore. The storm wiped out many rental places, including Ray’s, and new properties weren’t affordable.
Then Ray learned that there could be a housing possibility for him through CHR and was urged to apply. The organization puts special emphasis on helping people who work in Sanibel and Captiva live in affordable housing.
“They always want to help workers because workers make Sanibel go,” Ray said.
Not only did Ray qualify, he now lives happily at Mahogany Way near Wooster Lane. “It’s a great place, right near everything,” he said.
His experience has turned him into a CHR cheerleader. “I always tell people I know, ‘It’s there for you,’” he said. “CHR really saved my life.”
Community Housing & Resources provides safe, quality, affordable housing for families and individuals who work in and serve our island communities. Learn more at sancapchr.org.
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