About

Who We Are

Community Housing and Resources, Inc. (CHR) formed in 1979 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization to address the growing need for affordable housing in the Sanibel and Captiva area. CHR also serves as the City of Sanibel’s housing foundation under the Affordable Housing Program established in 1983. Today, CHR owns 76 affordable housing units at various locations, including 67 rental properties — one of which is a 12-unit complex for senior residents — and 9 Limited Equity Ownership (LEO) homes through the Coast and Islands Community Land Trust.

Who We Serve

CHR provides safe, affordable, quality housing for families and individuals who work and who serve our island communities. To be eligible for CHR housing, household members must either:

  • work full time (at least 35 hours) on Sanibel or Captiva, or
  • be retired or disabled longtime residents of Sanibel or Captiva

Our Mission is Our Passion

CHR provides safe, quality, affordable housing for families and individuals who work in and serve our island communities. Retail workers, service staff, even teachers and first responders and more may not earn enough for a place to call home. By tackling this need – in partnership with you – CHR helps people realize their full potential.

Working together, we can sustain the well-being of our islands’ people, building a strong, caring and resilient community for all.

five-year

strategic plan

fiscal years 2024-28

Hurricane Ian made it painfully clear that we needed a laser-focused set of strategies to keep our community moving forward, regardless of difficulties. To that end, CHR has developed this five-year strategic plan addressing key elements of that future: people, community, growth, leadership and operations.

A Home for Every Person in Sanibel/Captiva — That’s Our Commitment

Why It Matters

Our islands’ vitality depends on the thousands of people who provide services through local retail and other businesses. We all count on these hard-working individuals every day. They are part of our community, bringing social and economic diversity that makes island life fuller. With CHR providing safe, affordable, quality housing, regardless of age, disability or lack of finances, all families can achieve a more stable life and be active participants in our community.

%

Households in the Sanibel/Captiva area below the ALICE Threshold

(Asset Limited, Income Constrained Employed) – meaning they don’t earn enough to afford the bare monthly basics of life, including housing.

The minimum full-time hourly wage needed for a four-person family to afford the bare monthly basics in our area

Only 2 of Florida’s top 20 occupations – registered nurse, and general/operational manager – pay that much.

%

How much higher average rental rates in the Sanibel/Captiva area are running above what’s expected.

This puts more individuals and families at risk of being rent-burdened – spending more than 30% of their income on housing.

Sources: UnitedForALICE.org, 2023 report for Florida
Waller, Weeks & Johnson Rental Index, May 2023

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