2020 Local Focus. Lasting Impact.™ Moments Recognition: Ability Housing

Ability Housing is the third winner of the 2020 Local Focus. Lasting Impact.™ Moments Recognition. Ability Housing is being recognized for their innovation in the area of permanent supportive housing for individuals who have experienced homelessness. 

The individuals served by Ability Housing are often disqualified from other housing opportunities due to barriers to entry, such as previous evictions, lower than average credit scores, or low income. Ability Housing also works directly with individuals with disabilities who have limited options for accessible and affordable independent housing.

Ability Housing serves individuals and families throughout the Jacksonville area through three different types of programs. The largest initiative is The Villages program, which includes remodeled and newly-constructed affordable rental housing units. In addition to accessing affordable housing, residents can receive voluntary support services designed to maximize independent living skills and build community amongst residents. Through their efforts, Ability Housing has been able to help 95% of their program participants successfully maintain their housing. 

“Our affordable housing has a lasting impact through the families that live in the properties. Having access to affordable, stable housing promotes economic mobility by freeing up your income for other basic needs and enabling you to save for the future. The on-site supportive services we provide positively impact health, education, employment, and the financial stability of our residents.”

Shannon Nazworth, President & CEO, Ability Housing

About the 2020 Local Focus. Lasting Impact.™ Moments Recognition Program. 

This post is the third of a six-part series. Over the next 4 weeks, The Nonprofit Center will recognize a total of seven local nonprofit organizations for their programs and services that have created a lasting impact in our community through the 2020 Local Focus. Lasting Impact.™ Moments Recognition Program. 

Check out previous winners here:

Week 1 – Youth Crisis Center, COVID-19 Innovation
Week 2 – Feeding Northeast Florida, COVID-19 Collaboration

In 2011, the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida, The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida and the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, partnered to create the the Local Focus. Lasting Impact.™ initiative to help nonprofits connect with the community and each other. The initiative includes marketing materials for nonprofits to use as well as the signature awards program to highlight the achievements of nonprofits in the Northeast Florida area.

In 2020, due to the unique circumstances created by COVID-19, The Nonprofit Center expanded the program to recognize five Local Focus. Lasting Impact.™ moments in addition to two Local Focus. Lasting Impact.™ awards in the categories of Collective Power and Social Innovation. Each of the five organizations recognized with the 2020 Local Focus. Lasting Impact.™ Moments received a $750 cash award, sponsored by Jessie Ball duPont Reflective Practice Endowment Fund at The Community Foundation For Northeast Florida. The Collective Power and Social Innovation award winners each received a $1,250 cash prize, sponsored by Florida Blue, a documentary film donated by WJCT, and an additional cash prize of $1000 to create and deliver a Learning Lab, sponsored by Community First Credit Union.