Thriving Together: Affordable Housing and Indian River County

Affordable housing — or the lack of it — affects the community as well as individuals. Teachers, first responders, service workers, healthcare professionals — just to name a few — perform better if they live in the community where they work. In Indian River County, that can be a challenge. Anyone just starting out — or starting over — finds it nearly impossible to rent or buy a house or apartment that’s both in decent shape and affordable.

Affordable housing is a local, as well as national issue: According to the National Association of Home Builders’ “Housing Opportunity Index,” Indian River County has become one of the “least affordable communities in the country.”

Experts from Indian River County will address that issue at 11:30am Saturday, Nov. 16, at the UP Center, 1400 27th Avenue, Vero Beach. Sponsored by the American Association of University Women (AAUW-Vero Beach), three local panelists will discuss Thriving Together: Affordable Housing and Indian River County.

• Trevor Loomis, President & CEO, IRC Habitat for Humanity. Mr. Loomis is a U.S. Army veteran, holds a master’s degree from the University of Louisville and an MBA from Bellarmine University; he has experience in land acquisition, construction and mortgage lending as well as homeless issues.

• Susan Adams, Chairman, Indian River County Commission. A native of Indian River County, Ms. Adams holds a master’s and law degree from Florida State University; she was elected to the Fellsmere City Council in 2007 and served as mayor until 2015; she has served on the Indian River County Commission since 2016.

• Rayme Nuckles, Visionary Leader, Treasure Coast Homeless Service Council. Mr. Nuckles has dedicated the past 30 years to building safer, healthier and more cooperative communities. He has worked with the Florida Coalition for the Homeless, Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County (Tampa), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in both Washington, D.C., ad St. Lucie County.

The event begins with a buffet lunch at 11:30am, followed by brief presentations by each panelist, who will address questions such as:

• What are some examples of successful projects that could be implemented here?
• What non-profit or government resources are available locally?
• What are the wait times and challenges to receiving assistance?
• What can local organizations do to mobilize or support more affordable housing?

Then the floor will be open for audience questions.

Date: November 16
Time: 11:30am
Place: UP Center, 1400 27th Avenue, Vero Beach
Cost: $25*
Reserve online at www.AAUWverobeach.org
Reservation Deadline: Nov. 11

AAUW-Vero Beach is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. All funds raised to toward scholarships for women and girls in Indian River County.

* The public may register for panel discussion only without cost. Panel will start approximately 12pm.