Collier County program gets $96,000 for housing initiatives

The Collier County Foundation has awarded a housing advocacy organization $95,760 in grant money.

The money is going to The Housing Alliance, a nonprofit that “provides information, education and advocacy for accessing and developing attainable housing solutions” in the county.

According to a news release announcing the three grants, the money will be used to support workforce housing stabilization, a Housing Navigator program and fundraising consulting services.

The Housing Alliance is a private nonprofit that is funded by the Collier County Community and Human Services Division, private donations and the foundation. Its goal is to be a hub and resource for housing in the county.

The Housing Alliance’s focus is on workforce, lower income and senior housing.

The foundations awarded the organization:

• A $50,000 community impact grant to create a Workforce Housing Stabilization Loan Fund program. The program provides funds to cover rent or move-in costs to secure an affordable rental. Funding is provided in the form of a short-term, interest-free loan.
• A $30,000 program grant was awarded to the alliance’s affiliate, HELP, to support its Housing Navigator Program. The program was created to simplify the homebuying process by providing accessible, practical resources for home buyer education and pre-purchase counseling.
• A $15,750 community impact grant was awarded to employ a professional fundraising consultant to develop a comprehensive fundraising strategy. The services will include a case for support, an annual appeals campaign, strategic planning, as well as board and committee development and engagement.