CHR Feted for Raising Awareness on Housing Needs, Local Impact
SANIBEL ISLAND, Florida. [September 6,2024]—Efforts by Community Housing & Resources (CHR) to raise awareness and drive local impact on housing needs were recognized by the Florida Housing Coalition with its prestigious Storytellers Award.
The coalition presented the award to CHR at its 37th annual conference in Orlando last month.
The Storytellers Award honors “compelling narratives, powerful media coverage, or artistic endeavors that are raising awareness and advocating for affordable housing in Florida,” according to the organization’s website. “Their ability to engage, educate, and inspire through various media platforms is shaping public perceptions, influencing policy discussions, and driving meaningful change in the realm of affordable housing.”
“We couldn’t be more excited to receive this honor,” said CHR Executive Director Nicole Decker-McHale. “Part of our mission is helping our island community understand the need for affordable housing and how people’s lives, and Sanibel-Captiva as a whole, are transformed when we work together to meet that need.”
Decker-McHale said CHR has pursued a multimedia strategy, including print, video, web and social platforms, to spotlight individuals and families who worked with CHR to find safe, affordable and stable housing.
“We’ll keep telling these stories because they continue to inspire our community to work with us to transform lives,” she added.
Decker-McHale spoke at the coalition’s conference, along with CHR Deputy Executive Director Savannah Miller-Berg, Sanibel Mayor Richard Johnson, Carmella Cioffi from MHK Architecture, and Docked Living President Nick Price. They presented on efforts to revolutionize workforce housing.
About Community Housing & Resources
Community Housing & Resources, Inc. (CHR) is a 501 (c) (3) Not for Profit organization with the mission to provide affordable housing for families and individuals who work and who serve our island communities. CHR was formed in 1979 to address the growing need for affordable housing in the Sanibel community. In 1983, an ordinance was passed by the City of Sanibel that established the Affordable Housing Program, and CHR was designated as the city’s housing foundation. Today, CHR owns affordable housing units at various locations on Sanibel, including rental properties — one of which is a 12-unit complex just for senior residents — and Limited Equity Ownership (LEO) homes through the Coast and Islands Community Land Trust. Website: sancapchr.org.