County Deeds Property to Broward Housing Solutions for Aged Out Foster Youth

Broward County Board of County Commissioners today voted to deed a 9-unit apartment complex on Wilson Street in Hollywood to Broward Housing Solutions and committed more than $300,000 to the organization for renovation of the boarded up, distressed property. Broward Housing Solutions will upgrade and revitalize the complex to provide affordable housing for aged out foster youth with mental illness.

Broward Housing Solutions, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, provides affordable housing to low income persons with mental illness throughout Broward County.  Broward Housing Solutions recognized the housing need for aged out foster youth, who often suffer from mental illness, and developed its “Housing Solutions for Young Adults” program as a result.  The program provides permanent supportive rental housing at a cost of only 30 percent of the resident’s monthly income.

The organization sought out properties and collaborative partners to develop housing opportunities for these young adults.  It will collaborate with Henderson Mental Health Center to serve the residents at the Hollywood property, Wilson Gardens.  Henderson will refer residents to Wilson Gardens and provide ongoing case management services.

The Wilson Gardens property will receive a complete $300,000 facelift to include repairs, fresh paint, new appliances, new flooring, new windows and doors, new driveway and extensive landscaping. The property will offer nine affordable studio and one-bedroom apartments. After having been boarded up for seven years, the complex will be reborn as a beautification project for the neighborhood.