IFHA Announces Historic Partnership

The Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance (IFHA) is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with The Shelter for Abused Women & Children, marking a significant step in both organization’s commitment to creating accessible housing for vulnerable communities.

IFHA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating substandard and overcrowded rental housing for farmworker families and other low-income residents of Immokalee, is close to completing construction of its first apartment building, set to welcome its first tenants soon.  At the same time, the organization has joined forces with The Shelter for Abused Women & Children to address the pressing need for safe and secure housing for families recovering from the impacts of domestic violence. This exciting collaboration involves the construction of a second apartment building, which will be exclusively leased to the Shelter’s participants.

This collaboration exemplifies IFHA's commitment to expanding its reach and impact in the community. By providing a haven for those escaping abusive environments, IFHA aims to create a supportive and nurturing environment for families to build and rebuild their lives.

"We are excited to partner with The Shelter for Abused Women & Children to extend our mission of providing safe, affordable, hurricane resistant housing for some of the most vulnerable people in our area," said Dr. Arol Buntzman, Board Chair at IFHA. "This collaboration reflects our dedication to strengthening the community by fostering health, education, dignity and financial stability, empowering individuals and families to thrive."

According to Shelter CEO Linda Oberhaus, the need for safe, affordable housing for survivors leaving emergency shelter is especially significant in Immokalee.

“Collaborating with IFHA has been a dream come true,” she says. “Affordable housing remains a top need for survivors of domestic violence. Through our Transitional Living Program, these apartments will provide an empowerment-based, safe and secure living environment for domestic violence survivors and their children.”

All necessary agreements, including the lease with The Shelter, have been diligently finalized. Construction on the leased building is slated to commence in March 2024.