Escambia County Moves Forward with Affordable Housing Initiative
In a significant step towards addressing the affordable housing crisis in Escambia County, a selection committee has decided to negotiate with Pensacola Habitat for Humanity to sell over a dozen residential homes built by the county. This decision comes as part of a broader effort to meet the pressing need for affordable housing in the region.
The Selection Process
The selection committee conducted interviews with two bidders: Pensacola Habitat for Humanity and HRC Affordable Housing Solutions Inc. Although the interviews were not open to the public, the committee’s subsequent discussions were. During these discussions, it became evident that Pensacola Habitat outperformed HRC, scoring 93.7 points compared to HRC’s 75 points in the interview portion of the evaluation.
Chips Kirschenfeld, a member of the selection committee and Department Director at Escambia County BCC, remarked on the clear distinction in scores, leading to a motion to award the top rank to Pensacola Habitat for Humanity. The next phase involves entering negotiations with Habitat for Humanity, which will include collaboration with the County Attorney’s Office to draft a formal contract.
The Need for Affordable Housing
Escambia County has constructed 17 homes aimed at alleviating the affordable housing crisis. While most of these homes are either completed or nearing completion, they remain unoccupied due to legal restrictions preventing the county from selling them directly. The homes are designated for families earning less than 80% of the Area Median Income, ensuring that they serve those most in need.
On September 19, Escambia County issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to find qualified not-for-profit organizations to assist in selling these homes. Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, a well-established nonprofit that has built over 1,650 homes in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties since 1981, emerged as the frontrunner in this initiative.
The Competitors
HRC Affordable Housing Solutions Inc., a newer nonprofit registered in Florida, also submitted a bid. However, their proposal was less competitive, and they are now out of the running unless negotiations with Habitat for Humanity do not proceed as expected. HRC’s leadership includes individuals who are also part of the Escambia Pensacola Human Relations Commission, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.
The selection committee evaluated both organizations based on several criteria, including qualifications, experience, operational capacity, reputation, and the quality of prior work. Pensacola Habitat’s strong track record and community involvement played a crucial role in their selection.
Future Steps and Community Impact
Once negotiations with Pensacola Habitat for Humanity are finalized, the contract will be presented to the Board of County Commissioners for approval. Angela Jones, Escambia Senior Purchasing Coordinator, indicated that the purchasing department would directly contact Habitat to confirm the next steps in the process.
Sam Young, President and CEO of Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, expressed optimism about the partnership with the county. He emphasized the importance of addressing the community’s urgent need for affordable housing and highlighted the potential for a fruitful collaboration with local government entities.
Conclusion
The decision to negotiate with Pensacola Habitat for Humanity marks a pivotal moment in Escambia County’s efforts to tackle the affordable housing crisis. By leveraging the expertise of a proven nonprofit organization, the county aims to ensure that these homes are sold to families who need them most. As the negotiations progress, the community watches closely, hopeful that this initiative will lead to meaningful change in the local housing landscape.