07/15/2014 (5) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Gifford Neighborhood Plan 2014 ■ Rehabilitating Salvageable Structures Many housing units in Gifford are deteriorated, but can be economically rehabilitated. Through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program, the County has provided rehabilitation funding for 130 single-family units and 200 multi-family units for low and very low income owner occupied residents in Gifford. Even with funding available, it is still challenging to get eligible property owners to apply for funding. Through rehabilitation, the housing stock is being improved and preserved. Rehabilitation efforts will continue, based on the decision of Habitat for Humanity to expand its housing rehabilitation efforts in East Gifford. In the past, some Gifford residents have been relatively slow to take advantage of the SHIP Program. There are several reasons for that lack of participation. The principal reason, however, seems to be a reluctance to encumber a residence with a lien as required by the SHIP Program. That reluctance stems from a fear of potentially losing the residence as well as a general distrust of government programs. Regardless of those issues, it is clear that the participation of Gifford residents in the SHIP Program has been growing. To date, almost 25% of all SHIP funds in the amount of over $3.1 million have been spent in Gifford. To increase participation of Gifford residents in the SHIP program, groups and individuals that are trusted and respected in the community (e.g. churches and pastors) are recruited to help "get the word out." In addition to increased public education activities, SHIP program staff conduct special informational workshops for Gifford residents. ■ Constructing New Housing During the past decade, 531 new single-family housing units were constructed in the Gifford (144 in East Gifford, 89 in Central Gifford, and 298 in West Gifford). Over the past few years, however, Habitat for Humanity has initiated an aggressive sweat equity housing construction program. With County SHIP funding assistance, Habitat has built housing and provided other services to its clients. Habitat for Humanity built 141 units in the Gifford area. In the future, Habitat intends to build additional housing units and also rehabilitate housing units in the Gifford area. New housing construction not only provides safe, decent housing, it can also stimulate additional housing construction and enhance community appearance. ti Maintaining New and Existing Residences To ensure that a community does not deteriorate, housing stock needs to be adequately maintained. In Gifford, that means that landlords need to maintain their rental units. One way to ensure that units are maintained is to increase code enforcement activities. Community Development Indian River County 49