Habitat Related Nonprofit May Provide Housing For Tornado Victims

April 26, 2016

Tornado victims in Century and Pensacola may get housing assistance from a group closely affiliated with Pensacola Habitat for Humanity.

The Northwest Florida Community Housing Development Corporation has asked Century and Escambia County to sign off on their plan to potentially provide housing for those left homeless following by the February EF3 tornadoes.

Specifically, Century and Escambia County will become a tax credit sponsor for the nonprofit under the Community Contribution Tax Credit Program (CCTCP) funding through the State of Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.  To submit an application to become a tax credit sponsor, the corporation must have a resolution  from the local government stating that the proposed project is consistent with local plans and regulations, including comprehensive plans.

The CCTCP provides a financial incentive (up to 50 percent tax credit or sales tax refund) to encourage Florida businesses to make donations toward community development and housing projects for low-income persons.

The corporation will partner with local businesses for contributions and volunteers to rebuild homes affected by the February tornadoes, and the tax credit or refund will be passed back to those businesses for their donations.

Century has already approved the plan. Escambia County will consider their resolution on May 5. The county was set to review the proposal on April 21, but that meeting was canceled due to the lack of a quorum.

The Northwest Florida Community Housing Development Corporation was founded in 2014 by Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, but has its own nonprofit status, its own board, and is legally separate from Pensacola Habitat for Humanity. The Northwest Florida CHDC board consist partly of current Pensacola Habitat board, partly of Pensacola Habitat staff, and partly of community members eligible for services.

Northwest Florida CHDC was created to allow the capacity that Pensacola Habitat for Humanity has created to be utilized in other areas that serve the community, but outside of Habitat’s specific mission. Specifically in the case of tornado victims, Northwest Florida CHDC may offer housing that does not require homeowner repayment, whereas Habitat homeowners must make payments and contribute volunteer hours.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News