Construction continues to move forward on Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance’s affordable housing community, with three buildings now complete and fully occupied, a fourth building scheduled to open in December and a fifth building currently under construction.
The development, which will ultimately include 128 affordable housing units, currently has 48 occupied units housing 48 local families. The fourth building will add 16 additional units when it opens this fall, while construction on the fifth building is expected to be completed in spring 2027.
The continued development comes as demand for affordable housing remains strong in Immokalee. IFHA’s current waitlist includes more than 100 families seeking quality, affordable housing in the community.
“Every new building brings us closer to our goal of providing more families with a safe, affordable place to call home,” said executive director of Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance, Tammy Richelieu. “We are seeing the impact of this work firsthand, both in the families who are moving into these homes and in the growing demand from families who are still waiting for an opportunity.”
Applications for the fourth building opened Sept. 1 and are available at Parker Place Community Center.
The community center is also now open, providing residents with access to resources and programming focused on financial, legal, educational and health-related needs. Current and planned offerings include financial literacy classes through Synovus, legal education through Legal Aid Service of Collier County, early childhood programming and health care services and referrals through Healthcare Network. A dedicated computer lab will also provide residents with technology access to support education, employment and other essential needs.
IFHA also partners with Harry Chapin Food Bank to bring its Mobile Market Program directly to the community, giving residents access to free fresh produce, pantry staples and other nutritious food.
The organization continues to make significant progress, with upcoming construction milestones including continued work on the fifth apartment building, soccer field and STEAM playground.
The impact of the development extends beyond the number of homes created. Among the residents whose lives have been shaped by stable housing is Omar, who previously shared a small space with his brother and their family, making it difficult to study and focus on school. After moving into an IFHA home, Omar had the stability and space to focus on his education. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Florida Gulf Coast University.
Today, IFHA’s community is home to 48 families and just under 100 children, with additional families expected to move into the fourth building following its completion.
For more information about Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance, visit ImmokaleeFairHousing.org
About Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance
The Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2018 to address the need for safe, affordable housing in Immokalee following the impacts of Hurricane Irma. The organization works to develop and support housing for farmworker families and low-income families, with a focus on safety, stability and long-term community well-being. Its efforts include plans for a 128-unit residential development in Immokalee. For more information, visit ImmokaleeFairHousing.org.
