{"id":24226,"date":"2026-08-05T09:00:43","date_gmt":"2026-08-05T13:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsroom.ocfl.net\/?p=24226"},"modified":"2026-08-05T11:28:44","modified_gmt":"2026-08-05T15:28:44","slug":"a-place-to-call-home-affordable-housing-trust-fund-opens-542-new-apartment-homes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsroom.ocfl.net\/2026\/08\/a-place-to-call-home-affordable-housing-trust-fund-opens-542-new-apartment-homes\/","title":{"rendered":"A Place to Call Home: Affordable Housing Trust Fund Opens 542 New Apartment Homes"},"content":{"rendered":"

When Sharon Donawa retired from a theme park job she’d held for nearly four decades, she looked forward to some well-deserved relaxation.<\/p>\n

Instead, she faced a stressful housing situation that\u2019s common for many across Central Florida.<\/p>\n

Unable to find an affordable place to live, she spent nearly a year post-retirement staying with her sister.<\/p>\n

Then she learned about Barnett Villas, one of four new affordable apartment communities supported by Orange County\u2019s Affordable Housing Trust Fund to open this year.<\/p>\n

Donawa applied and was approved the next day.<\/p>\n

“Everyone deserves a safe, stable place to call home,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings. “Our Affordable Housing Trust Fund is helping seniors, working families, and essential employees find quality, affordable housing and build a stronger future.”<\/p>\n

A common challenge<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rising housing costs are making it increasingly difficult for retired seniors like Donawa, and working individuals and families \u2014 teachers, first responders, healthcare professionals, hospitality employees and others \u2014 to find housing they can afford.<\/p>\n

In the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metropolitan area, approximately 61% of renters and 40% of all households are considered cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing and utilities. Many households spend more than half of their income on housing alone.<\/p>\n

Recognizing this growing need, the Board of County Commissioners established the Affordable Housing Trust Fund in 2020 with a $160 million investment over its first decade. In 2024, Orange County voters approved a charter amendment making the fund permanent.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

This year, four affordable apartment communities supported by the Trust Fund have opened since April 2026, creating 542 new apartment homes.<\/p>\n

The new communities include:<\/p>\n