The housing needs of Florida’s homeless population are as diverse as the factors which may have resulted in their current lack of adequate, permanent housing. Victims of domestic violence, families with children, and individuals with mental and physical disabilities are among Florida’s homeless residents. According to a report completed in 2002 by the State Office on Homelessness, the number of people estimated to be homeless in Florida on any given day is 67,981. Given the relationship between homelessness and economic hardship, the number of people at risk of homelessness is even greater.

Using the federal government’s continuum-of-care approach, which emphasizes coordinated housing and services to meet a homeless family’s needs over time, local governments around the state have recently begun developing and implementing comprehensive strategies to address the needs of homeless people in their area.

To better understand how to meet the housing needs of homeless people, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to construct permanent and transitional housing for homeless people in Florida in 2001. As a result of this RFP, Florida Housing provided over $6.1 million to 7 developments totaling 422 units for homeless households. As it has moved through the credit underwriting process on these loans, Florida Housing has been learning about the special financing needs to develop homeless housing.

Through its ongoing programs, Florida Housing currently has funding available for permanent housing for homeless people.

In 2003 and 2004, 8 percent of Florida Housing’s annual allocation for the State Apartment Incentive Loan (SAIL) Program will be set aside to help finance permanent rental housing for homeless people. A range of housing types are available for funding, such as Single Room Occupancy developments and garden style type apartments. Additionally, developers are rewarded in the allocation process for providing programs and amenities tailored to the homeless population, such as on-site after school care for children and bicycle storage. Funding is made available to developers through the Universal Application cycle. More information may be accessed by clicking on the SAIL link to the left.

Florida Housing also serves on the 15-member State Council on Homelessness, which develops policy and advises the state’s recently formed Office on Homelessness, which the legislature created in 2001. The Office on Homelessness, which is housed at the Department of Children and Families, facilitates statewide coordination on homeless issues and administers the state’s Homeless Housing Assistance grants and Challenge grants to local continuum of care lead agencies.

Developers of housing for homeless people may also be interested in learning about Florida Housing’s Predevelopment Loan Program, Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), and Housing Credit program.

In addition, 115 city and county governments administer housing funds through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP). Check with the SHIP administrator in the area you want to develop housing to see whether the local government provides funding for homeless housing.