Citrus County Housing Services Director Alford details $4.5M in initiatives for residents

In a recent Citrus County Board of County Commissioners meeting, Housing Services Director Michelle Alford delivered an impactful presentation on the county's housing assistance programs, highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat homelessness and improve living conditions for low-income families.

Alford, praised as one of the best housing service directors in Florida, outlined the mission of her department: to enhance the availability and quality of affordable housing for very low, low, and moderate-income families. She emphasized that the majority of their grants focus on preventing homelessness by assisting families in maintaining their homes.

Among the key programs discussed was the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP), which provides emergency home repairs, home rehabilitation, and support for first-time homebuyers. Alford proudly announced a recent $600,000 award to Habitat for Humanity, aimed at helping 30 low-income families achieve homeownership. Additionally, the SHIP program has been instrumental in providing disaster assistance, particularly following hurricanes, with $65,000 allocated last year to help 20 families recover.

Alford also detailed the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which aids families with heating and cooling costs, and the Housing Choice Voucher Program, which currently supports 153 families, primarily those with disabilities and elderly residents.

The meeting also touched on future initiatives, including a new housing stability grant aimed at assisting homeless families with school-aged children. Alford expressed optimism about applying for this grant, which would provide rental assistance and case management support.

As the meeting progressed, the commissioners engaged in discussions about various agenda items, including a request to vacate an alley in Home Assassin and the potential removal of solar panels from a financing program. The board's commitment to addressing community concerns was evident, with several public comments highlighting issues related to housing and local governance.

Overall, the meeting underscored Citrus County's dedication to improving housing conditions and supporting its residents, particularly those facing economic hardships. As Alford concluded her presentation, the board members expressed their appreciation for her leadership and the positive impact of the housing services on the community.