LEESBURG, Fla. — Whether someone is hoping to buy their first home, looking for housing assistance or simply wanting to learn what programs are available, Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter leaders said the Housing Resource Fair was designed to be a one-stop shop to answer those questions.
The organization said more than 150 people attended the event. Many attendees said they discovered resources and organizations they had never heard of before, allowing them to do more research and become homebuyer-ready.
The free event was designed to serve as a resource for people interested in buying a home.
“We are here to support them in any way we can. I want them to have access. That’s the main thing, that they have access to resources, that they know what’s available and they know how to apply for these programs,” said Geria Forrest with Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter.
Forrest said the Housing Resource Fair couldn’t have come at a better time.
The demand for affordable housing continues to outpace supply.
“People are having to choose between paying this bill, paying the rent, going without food so they can pay the rent,” said Forrest.
During its most recent application cycle, the organization received about 700 applications for just 20 homes it plans to build, highlighting the need for more housing resources and information in the community.
“There are many, many hard-working families and individuals in the communities that just find housing out of reach. It’s been a challenge in the state of Florida for many years,” said Danielle Stroud, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter.
The resource fair featured other organizations, including realtors, The Salvation Army, banks, mortgage companies and more.
The goal was to give people information and answer their questions in one place.
“We want to give them the tools and resources to become ready,” said Stroud.