Housing affordability is a serious socioeconomic concern for the South Florida community that shows no sign of waning. According to the United Way’s 2020 ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Report, nearly half of Broward County households – approximately 347,490 in total – struggle to afford basic necessities, particularly housing, due to underemployment and low income. Many of these households live paycheck to paycheck, placing them on the brink of instability that can lead to poverty and homelessness.

With the $25 million low income tax credit subsidy awarded to the Partnership in March 2019 from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, support from The Jim Moran Foundation, Broward County, and other donors, the Partnership and its development partner, Green Mills Group, plans to begin the construction of Seven on Seventh in summer 2021. Seven on Seventh will be a mixed use affordable residential apartment community development in downtown Fort Lauderdale specifically designed for low-income and formerly homeless individuals and families. The building will include 72 residential units, ranging from studios to two-bedroom apartments, readily available common space, amenities that include a fitness center, interactive library, ground floor commercial space, case management and workforce program offices where a diverse community of residents will reside and thrive.

The location of the development is particularly advantageous, as it will be adjacent to the existing Central Homeless Assistance Center (CHAC), operated by the Partnership. The program’s target population residing in Seven on Seventh will have the unique opportunity to benefit from the comprehensive array of support services provided by the Partnership at the CHAC, along with the Partnership’s established network of community service providers. The vibrant urban community where Seven on Seventh will be located has a plethora of private/public sector services available for easy access by public transportation.