09/21/2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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SERVICES DEPARTMENT – DAMAGE TO CITRUS INDUSTRY - BELLSOUTH Commissioner Macht advised that after Hurricane Frances he received over 200 calls about his ad for a single-family house for rent. Because of Hurricane Frances our community has a big housing problem. He stated that our Human Services Department has set up a “clearing-house” for those who need a place to live and those who have a place available to rent. Unfortunately some people are being evicted because of their inability to pay rent as they lost their job because of the storm. Many people live from paycheck-to-paycheck and he thought we should be alert for distress of this nature and do whatever we can to elicit aid from agencies such as FEMA. County Administrator Baird reported that he had called a meeting about housing and had learned that The Palms of Vero has many vacancies. The Palms representatives will see how they can help; some of the Federal income requirements may have to be relaxed so anyone can move in and pay the full rate. The County is working with the United Way, as the lead group, trying to solve the housing problems. Our emergency management department is also involved in this effort. Recovery from this storm will be a long process and it may take changing some Federal government requirements. Commissioner Lowther thought The Palms of Vero, which had suffered minor damage, could end up being a diamond in the rough if it becomes a place to house people displaced by the storm. Commissioner Adams suggested contacting our State and Federal representatives to work at relaxing some of the housing income limitations. She understood the County is allowing use of campers, trailers, and motorhomes in driveways temporarily until residents can reestablish permanent housing. County Administrator Baird confirmed that motorhomes and trailers may be parked in the driveway while homes are being repaired. He noted that everyone is trying to work together September 21, 2004 19