At Strayhorn & Persons-Mulicka, we pride ourselves on being deeply embedded in the fabric of Southwest Florida’s rich history and ongoing development. One inspiring example of transformative community work in our region is the ongoing mission of the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers (HACFM).
The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers (HACFM) was founded in 1960 by Resolution No. 37, which was adopted by unanimous resolution. Since that time, HACFM has provided housing for those in need in our area and presently serves an estimated 10,000 individuals in the City of Fort Myers and Southwest Florida. Through developments such as Renaissance Preserve, Landings at East Pointe, East Pointe Place, Bonair Towers and Horizons Apartments, HACFM offers over 1,400 apartments and administers over 2,500 Housing Choice Vouchers.
E. Bruce Strayhorn has served HACFM since 1988. Originally appointed by Mayor Art Hamel, he can offer professional insights into its history as a Fort Myers native and partner at Strayhorn & Persons-Mulicka.
The first development that HACFM developed with the City of Fort Myers was the Southward Village Annex in 1960. This provided duplex, triplex and fourplex residences at the corner of Edison Avenue and Ford Street, housing as many as 600 individuals, including their children and grandchildren. Southward Village was truly a community, albeit 40 acres.
Unfortunately, structures constructed in 1960, even though maintained, became obsolete. HACFM and its partners work hard to maintain and get the best use out of residential structures, but buildings from the 1960s and 1970s must be replaced for the safety of our residents. One of HACFM’s top priorities is ensuring Fort Myers residents are living in safe environments. When necessary, temporary replacement housing can be provided while better, more effective buildings are constructed.
Grant Kicks Off Community Improvements
Recently, HACFM, along with its partner, the City of Fort Myers, applied to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for a coveted $30 million Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Grant (CNI), and was awarded funding in 2021. The centerpiece of the CNI grant is the neighborhood surrounding Southward Village and Lincoln Park, all east of Fowler Street in the City of Fort Myers.
HACFM enhanced this initial award through its numerous partners, including the City of Fort Myers, the Lee County School Board and Lee Health, to commit over $380 million towards the efforts to improve the greater Southward Village/Dunbar area. The grant will see over 400 well-designed and developed residences on the Southward Village site, a community grocery store and recreational activities. It will be developed across the street from the soon-to-be completely renovated Franklin Park Neighborhood School.
Additionally, HACFM recently broke ground on a 90-unit complex at 3611-3621 Cleveland Avenue on U.S. 41. This development will host mixed-income apartments and 5,000 square feet of retail and commercial on the Cleveland frontage, complying with the City of Fort Myers CRA Cleveland Area Development Plan.
Strong Partnerships Are Key
HACFM is not alone in its efforts. Alongside local, state and federal partners, HACFM provides more than just housing. For residents struggling to put food on the table, it partners with organizations that combat hunger, like Harry Chapin Food Bank and Community Cooperative. For those who need help with education or scholarships, a partnership with The School District of Lee County School brings tutors into local communities. There is also a Boys & Girls Club of Lee County, which facilitates extra learning and is a place for children to go until their parents get home from work.
HACFM sees residents through every step of their journey. This includes watching youth grow up, go to high school and college, maintain good jobs and come back into the community that helped nurture them. Many residents say that their son or daughter went off to college and received a scholarship because of the Housing Authority. In return, these individuals come back and become firefighters, police officers and other essential workers in the Southwest Florida community.
At Strayhorn & Persons-Mulicka, we understand the importance of building communities, one home at a time. We are proud to support HACFM’s mission and join them in an unwavering dedication to the people of Fort Myers.