By SAMANTHA GHOLAR
sgholar@newssun.com
AVON PARK -- Car loads of interested families and individuals poured into the two-bedroom residence just across from Lake Tulane Thursday morning to get a glimpse of what could be their future home.
A three-year-long project of the Avon Park Housing Authority has come to an end and a new beginning will bring brighter days for families who have fallen on difficult times.
The Hope for the Homeless project has transformed 16 public housing family units into a complex that will serve as temporary homes for families who have been struck by homelessness.
A $1.3 million loan program will be used to "rehabilitate" a section of the development's lakeside property.
APHA Executive Director Larry Shoeman issued a statement prior to the Lakeside Park Emergencey/Transitional Program Open House Thursday morning.
"The Authority is truly excited about this special initiative to assist those families who have become 'casualties of our economy,'" Shoeman said.
Thursday brought hope for families that have been without a place to call their own.
Laurycel Perez and Shailyn Nieves, both toured the home with applications in hand, hoping to be able to call the place home soon.
"I've got my application, I'm going to apply for a place," said Perez.
Another pair, two men both who have fallen into years of struggles, where vocal about how badly they needed a place like this.
"I've been living with my aunt since 2007. I got two boys I'm trying to raise," said Trent Lamptin.
Lamptin has been searching for work relentlessly, he said. He has found it difficult due to his criminal record, but continues to look for employment.
"I've been living with her since I got out of prison. I need a place. Me and him want a place together," Lamptin said pointing to his cousin, Robert Bell.
Bell also has been living with Lamptin's aunt for some time but hopes that the APHA is able to accept the men's application.
"If it wasn't for him, I don't know where I'd be. It's hard out here," said Bell.
According to APHA Housing Specialist Bea Gillians, two of the 16 units are currently filled. The waiting list has already begun to fill up.
"We are looking for people without housing or people who are about to be without housing. People who are about to be evicted, people whose property is condemned or red stickered. They still have to be income eligible, though," an excited Shoeman said.
Shoeman and the APHA staff, including Case Manager Cam Barnard, are hoping to not only provide shelter for families, but give them more hope and opportunities to do better.
The Hope for the Homeless programs works with Highlands County Coalition for the Homeless and 26 other non-profit and governmental local agencies to offer residents the opportunity to gain job skills, health care, transportation, employment placing, day care and a number of other needed services.
The goal behind the project is not to let families and individuals stay in the same predicaments and situations they came in with.
Shoeman hopes to get people "up, out and off" public assistance.
"This is the bottom level. After this they go on to assisted living in these units over here then eventually we move them on to non-assisted, affordable living," Shoeman said. "But they have to show improvement. Cam (Barnard) designs personal improvement plans for each of the families. They have to show improvement to stay here or they have to leave."
Barnard carefully selects families and individuals after an in-depth analysis of applicants situation, income, employment etc.
When she isn't deciding which families to place where, Barnard is busy running around the community trying to find furniture to fill the empty homes that families now occupy.
"We have a need for it (furniture). If there are people out there in this community that are receptive and willing to donate old or unused furniture, we will take it. We supply tax exemptions for these people or their businesses.
"This is a great thing. It's a real opportunity to make a difference in people's lives," said Barnard.
For applications or information contact the APHA at 452-4432 or visit www.avonparkha.org/.
Friday, April 27, 2012 - www.newssun.com/042712-sg-Homeless