Collier Community Foundation Invests in The Housing Alliance Initiatives

The Housing Alliance, a new nonprofit organization formed to provide information, education, and advocacy for accessing and developing attainable housing solutions in Collier County, announced it has been awarded a $200,000 grant from the Collier Community Foundation (CCF) to fund operations in 2025. The funds will be used to expand office space in Naples and Immokalee, enhance reporting and fundraising capabilities, and continue and expand the scope of work of The Housing Alliance.

CCF has been leading the way to improve housing affordability after it commissioned the Collier County Community Needs Assessment, sponsored by the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation and CCF, in 2023 and it showed that 65% of respondents cited affordable and workforce housing as the county’s #1 priority, up from 45% five years earlier. As a result, CCF has made housing affordability a top priority for its funding initiatives and played a key role in advocating for the creation of The Housing Alliance because they recognized the need to unite key stakeholders and community members to form a housing hub for information, education, and resources surrounding workforce housing in Collier County.

“Housing is a fundamental human need, and everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home. The challenges we face in addressing housing are immense - too large for any one person or organization to solve alone. By bringing community leaders together, we foster collaboration and ensure everyone takes on the part they can contribute,” said Eileen Connolly-Keesler, President and CEO of the Collier Community Foundation. “The Housing Alliance is a shining example of this collective effort, driving real progress in tackling the affordable housing crisis in our community. Together, we are transforming lives and building a stronger future for everyone.”

The Housing Alliance is a private, non-profit organization that serves as the hub in Collier County to bring together aspiring homeowners, renters, property developers, local government, funders, donors, and the community-at-large. It is envisioned to become the “go to” resource for housing in Collier County with a focus on workforce, lower income, and senior housing. Through structured coordination and collaboration, The Housing Alliance works with private and public partners with the goal to make much needed housing in Collier County a reality. Through a formal affiliation agreement, The Alliance will amplify and support the services provided by HELP, which includes the housing navigator program and HUD-certified financial counseling and homebuyer education, as well as the Collier County Community Land Trust, which provides land acquisition and partnership opportunities for affordable housing developments. Funding for the Alliance is provided by the Collier Community Foundation, Collier County Community and Human Services Division, and private donations. To learn more, visit the TheHousingAlliance.org, or call 239-434-2397 ext. 205.