Guest commentary: CHR needs community’s help
On June 26, Community Housing & Resources (CHR) submitted an application for the Community Development Block Grant — Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR) Multi-Family Housing funding that the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released to Lee County following the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.
Lee County staff deemed CHR’s application ineligible although CHR met all requirements of the grant and the funding was specifically released for ground zero areas — Sanibel, Fort Myers Beach, Pine Island and many other impacted areas.
After making numerous public comments and scheduling meetings with the county commissioners, the evaluation committee has given CHR another opportunity to present more information to it on Oct. 7 at 8:30 a.m. in the County Commissioners board room, at 2120 Main St., Fort Myers.
CHR is asking for you to send a letter to each Lee County commissioner showing your support for the organization. CHR also invites you to attend the meeting to show your support; please note it may be an all day meeting.
Below is a suggested letter to email to each county commissioner:
Subject: Community Housing and Resources, Inc CDBG-DR Multi-Family Housing Application #80029 Letter of Support
I am writing to let you know of my support for Community Housing and Resources of Sanibel and Captiva. CHR’s nonprofit mission is to provide safe, quality, and affordable housing for families and individuals who work in and serve our island communities. CHR is integral to the economy of not only Sanibel and Captiva Islands, but to Lee County as a whole and it needs your help. CHR was devastated by the effects of Hurricane Ian which resulted in the destruction of one of its housing facilities and significant damage to the remainder. PLEASE consider CHR in any decision you make regarding the allocation of disaster relief and recovery funds. Lee County needs CHR to resume its normal operations so that it can support the communities of Sanibel and Captiva as they recover from this devastating storm.
– Commissioner Kevin Ruane: dist1@leegov.com
– Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass: dist2@leegov.com
– Commissioner Ray Sandelli: dist3@leegov.com
– Commissioner Brian Hamman: dist4@leegov.com
– Commissioner Mike Greenwell: dist5@leegov.com
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to the team at CHR at info@sanibelCHR.org or call the office at 239-472-1189.
Community Housing and Resources (CHR) formed in 1979 as a not-for-profit organization to address the growing need for affordable housing in the Sanibel and Captiva area. It also serves as the city of Sanibel’s housing foundation. For more information, visit https://sancapchr.org/.