provided to The Santiva Chronicle
You’ve probably heard of a catalyst if you endured high school science class. But the term isn’t limited to a few chemicals and enzymes. It also describes an organization that can help a person move from one stage of life to another. Community Housing & Resources, for example.
When Kyle Wilson came to Florida from Michigan in 2014, Sanibel offered familiar, comforting territory. She had visited the island often over the years and was eager to call it home. Taking a role with Lee County Schools, Wilson eventually ended up on Sanibel Island just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
Finding a place to live on the island was tough, but CHR worked hard with Wilson to make it possible. With the housing demand high, Wilson waited a year to get into her CHR apartment. But once she did, she had a home she could afford and the means to start building toward a secure financial future.
“CHR provided me with both a landing and a launching spot,” said Wilson. “It’s great for employees working on the island, and it’s great for employers wanting to retain workers.”
“The accessibility, convenience, and serenity of having a place to live with a single income — that’s security,” said Wilson. “And you’ve got a community surrounding you. It was an incredible opportunity and the catalyst I needed for my future.”
Today, Wilson serves as Director of Operations and Acting Executive Director at Sanibel Community Association. Recently, she purchased her own two-bedroom home in Fort Myers — a chance she might not have had without CHR.
“I’ll be forever grateful for living here and having that security with CHR,” concluded Wilson.