Media Release

​ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - Alachua County is hosting the “Affordable Housing Summit” on Tuesday, February 16, 2016, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Alachua County Health Department (224 S.E. 24th Street, Gainesville). Registered participants are encouraged to arrive by 8:30 a.m. Although registration is full, seating may be available on a first come, first served basis. The media is invited to attend and cover the event.

The theme of the summit is “Coming Together: Housing for All.” It is widely acknowledged there are issues with affordable housing in Florida, and each community must come together to address these problems. The goal of the summit is to identify Alachua County’s housing needs and priorities, potential solutions and viable action items to advance affordable housing for all. A summary report with a menu of recommendations will be presented to the County Commission at a later date (to be announced). The report will be shared with other organizations and will be available for the public.

Topics such as: fair housing, Housing First, affordable rental housing, inclusionary housing, and tiny houses will be discussed. As part of the housing summit, a tiny home will be built on-site outside in the parking lot during the meeting. Visitors are welcome to view the progress on the home and tour the other model structures the day of the event.

Participants are encouraged to donate much needed supplies such as toiletries, coats, blankets, linens, and towels for residents of GRACE Marketplace and Dignity Village. Donation bins will be available at the summit and all supplies will go directly to GRACE Marketplace.

For more information, contact the Alachua County Growth Management Housing Programs Office at 352-337-6284.