Fundraising, Rapid Rehousing create some reprieve for scrambling residents

By St. Clair Murraine
Outlook Staff Writer

Four months ago, when ownership of the Meadows was changed to Florida Sun Estates on Roberts Avenue, Emily Desir began making plans to leave instead of paying escalating rent.

Her search resulted in a suitable place. Then, her automobile went down, setting back her plan to move.

She and more than 50 other residents of Florida Sun Estates sought help, taking their plight to members of the city commission. While the commission can’t enact ordinances that would force the property owner to be lenient, the city’s Rapid Rehousing program is proving to be part of the answer for some.

Others like Desir are relying on money raised through a public campaign to assist residents of the trailer park community. Desir was the first beneficiary, receiving money for her down payment on a three-bedroom, two-bath apartment for her and three children.

The Big Bend Homeless Coalition paid the cost of a U-Haul for the move.

“They took a lot of the worry away,” Desir said. “I didn’t have to worry about whether I was going to have the money to move even though it was an unexpected event that happened. I haven’t had to worry about anything.”

City Commissioner Jack Porter took the lead last month by setting up a community meeting where legal assistance and other resources were galvanized for the residents. Since then, many residents have taken their plight public.

For instance, they talked about a $585 monthly rent jumping to $895. Those who own their trailers, but pay a lot rent saw an increase to $895 monthly from $389.

Additionally, leases aren’t being renewed for most residents who rent the trailer homes. Several individuals who rent lots are getting some assistance from Legal Services of North Florida in their fight for lower rent. 

As of two weeks ago when Porter held a press conference at the trailer park’s entrance, residents were still scrambling in uncertainty about their next move.

Meanwhile, efforts by residents and the media to get a response from Derek Vickers, owner of Florida Sun Estates, have been futile.  

“It’s really the wild, wild west out there,” Porter said. “They are posting eviction notices. They are using tactics to intimidate and scare people to just get out of there.”

Financial help keeps pouring in. Through last Monday morning, $24,967 was raised during the first 10 days of the fundraiser. The donation site (www.tallahasseehelp.com) was set up by Florida People’s Advocacy Center, a non-profit organization based in Frenchtown. 

Individual donations have been as small as $10 and as much as $1,000.

“The response has been overwhelming,” said Porter, a first-term commissioner. “We are excited to see people stepping up, which is no surprise because that is what this community does.”

Last year the City Commission earmarked $1.4 million for Rapid Rehousing. The program is implemented by the Big Bend Homeless Coalition and coordinated by Big Bend Continuum of Care.

Individuals with leases that are expiring are being handled as priority cases through the Rapid Rehousing program, said Johnna Coleman, interim executive director of Big Bend Continuum of Care. However, the housing assistance will be short-term, she said, adding that only renters who are within 14 days of eviction or are already homeless are eligible.

“Our vision is just not to see anyone go homeless,” Coleman said.

About 30 people from the Meadows are on their list for help, said Holly Bernardo, CEO of Big Bend Homeless Coalition. That adds to a waiting list that has been long in part because of the pandemic, she said.

In addition to seeking out landlords who are willing to work with their clients, the Coalition operates low-income housing units for families and veterans. Their inventory includes units at the Hope Community for the homeless.

“The most fundamental need is housing,” Bernardo said. “Before we can work on somebody’s mental health, before we can work on education, somebody needs a place to lay their head at night. A big part of our organization’s mission is just connecting folks to housing. It’s the most basic, fundamental thing that we have to have to stabilize and work on those greater needs that we experience every day.”