Photo courtesy Gulf Coast Community Foundation

I’m lucky — my job allows me to see the best of Sarasota. Last week, I heard leaders from different sectors offer testimony to the County Commission about the benefits of building affordable housing. Sarasotans earning below the area median income —$31,707 for an individual — would have places to live, close to their jobs and their children’s schools.

I was inspired to hear from employers, the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County, Women’s Resource Center, advocates for those experiencing homelessness, parents working and going back to school to get ahead and foundations all standing together to chart a future with quality of life for all. Every speaker talked about their desire for and commitment to building a thriving community- with young talent choosing to stay here and a growing economy.

American Rescue Plan dollars from the federal government ($84 million for Sarasota County) have been allocated to “deliver direct relief to the American people and rescue the economy.” A county survey asked residents how local funds should be prioritized. The top two responses by far were: affordable housing and homelessness prevention. Those responses are related- it’s impossible for a person to end their homelessness without a home.

Demand has overwhelmed the short supply of workforce housing and supportive housing available. Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness reports a 213% increase in call volume from people on the verge of losing their home, desperate for assistance.

Cities around the U.S. are using the bulk of their one-time American Rescue Plan funds to build affordable housing. Sarasota can do this, too. Nonprofit partners like Community Assisted and Supportive Living and Family Promise of South Sarasota County are showing the way by building quality affordable units, in north and south county near bus routes, child care and jobs. They are serving populations the free housing market cannot- individuals who make half of area median income, struggling to avoid homelessness.

St. Vincent de Paul CARES recently hosted a Move-In Celebration for those who have triumphed over homelessness and moved into homes. Tom, a gray-haired gentleman, shared he was sleeping in his car in a parking lot downtown. The Sarasota Police Department Homeless Outreach Team helped him navigate The Salvation Army services and enroll in St. Vincent de Paul CARES’ Suncoast Rapid Rehousing Program. Derek, a veteran, spoke about the hand up he received. Jasmine, a young mother holding her toddler, said she now has safe, stable housing for her daughter, making a bright future possible. Each of them now has a lease in their own name. Mayor Erik Arroyo talked with the community members being celebrated, alongside the case managers, philanthropists, law enforcement officers and others creating a path to housing for those who lack shelter. Resilience and determination outshone the large poinsettias on display. Public-private partnerships made these success stories possible. And more can be achieved.

Federal rescue dollars can be used to assist those hit the hardest and the longest by the pandemic. Diverse housing options, where restaurant and entry-level healthcare workers can live, is essential to a healthy community. By incentivizing the private sector to build for households who earn below median income, by offering vacant public land, streamlining the permit process, reducing fees and inviting innovative proposals, we can overcome the crisis of lack of affordable housing.

During this season of hope, watching our community come together to build back better and care for our service workers and their children makes me believe in a bright future.

Jennifer Johnston is the director of community leadership at Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

Photo courtesy Gulf Coast Community Foundation