Jacksonville News

Ability Housing Outlines Strategic Plan to Bring Affordability to the Forefront of Florida’s Rental Market

Nonprofit affordable housing developer identifies four critical objectives to guide organizational development and sustainability through December 2026

Oct. 20, 2023 — JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Ability Housing, a nonprofit developer of affordable housing in communities across Florida, today announced the completion of a three-year strategic plan.

The plan was approved by Ability Housing’s Board of Directors on July 18, 2023. It is currently in effect and will guide the organization’s work through December 2026. The plan identifies two overarching goals:  

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• Ensure sustainable resources and community engagement for the fulfillment of Ability
•  Housing’s mission (to build flourishing communities where everyone has a home)
   
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• Elevate workforce and operational capacity for optimal performance
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The completion of this plan coincides with a housing crisis across Florida, in which families earning at or below the Area Median Income (AMI) must shoulder rising rent costs alongside other cost-of-living increases. According to data from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, Florida’s rental market can adequately serve only one-third of households earning 50% or less of the AMI, with 33 affordable and available units available for every 100 households. That number drops below one-in-four households earning 30% AMI or lower, with 23 affordable and available rental units for every 100 households.

“Housing is the foundation of a fulfilled life. But for too many Floridians, housing comes at a steep cost,” said Shannon Nazworth, President and CEO of Ability Housing. “This strategic plan is centered around the conviction that everyone should have a safe, affordable home in a thriving community, and that investing in our organizational capacity will sustain our work at the highest level.”

The strategic plan’s goals are supported by four objectives:

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• Manageable Housing and Services Growth:
•  Ability Housing will continue to increase its portfolio through the creation of safe, affordable housing and the provision of resident-focused services that empower tenants to improve their physical, financial, mental and social health. The organization will
•  execute on a service delivery model that prioritizes evidence-based and best practices.
   
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• Cause Advocacy and Impact Communication:
•  Ability Housing will expand its commitment to policy and systems change by implementing a “champions strategy,” aimed at strengthening advocacy and impact communication to a variety of stakeholders — including residents, donors, community partners, government
•  officials and the growing population of concerned Floridians eager to address the state’s housing shortage. Through this program, Ability Housing will engage a network of advocates to join conversations about housing policies at the local, state and federal
•  levels. 
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• Revenue and Resource Optimization:
•  In order to build or renovate additional housing, Ability Housing must grow assets while maintaining financial stability through a multi-tiered approach. The plan focuses on diversifying and expanding capital funding; increasing operating revenue through fundraising
•  and earned revenue; and expanding services that contribute to the organization’s financial health.
   
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• Workforce and Operations Investment:
• Behind every effective organization is a team of professionals with the skills,
•  experience and drive to fulfill its mission. In order to attract and retain talent in a competitive labor market, Ability Housing plans to invest in the organization’s capability and operational sustainability. This process will include assessments of current
•  staffing and compensation models; recruitment, hiring and onboarding processes; staff training and development opportunities; succession planning for critical agency positions; and an annual board performance evaluation.
   
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“The way we address Florida’s housing crisis signifies who and what our society values most,” said Michael Griffin, Chair of the Board of Ability Housing and Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Public Policy for AdventHealth. “Ability Housing is committed to easing the burden faced by too many Florida families who are struggling to find a home they can afford. Together with our full Board of Directors, I am proud to share this strategic plan. The goals we have set are ambitious, but achievable.”

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About Ability Housing:
Ability Housing is a Florida nonprofit organization that develops housing, setting a standard of excellence in the field of affordable and supportive housing. We focus on meeting the needs of persons experiencing or at risk of homelessness and adults with a disability. Our housing is linked with wrap-around services so all residents have a network of support. We are good neighbors that strengthen neighborhoods and improve the communities’ quality of life.

For more information, visit AbilityHousing.org, like the organization on Facebook (facebook.com/AbilityHousing) and follow on Twitter (@AbilityHousing).