Leaders from Orange County Government recently joined LIFT Orlando for a tour of communities west of downtown Orlando that are striving to break the cycle of poverty through holistic community revitalization.<\/p>\n
LIFT Orlando is a nonprofit organization comprised of business leaders who are working to transform low-income communities through education, mixed-income housing, community health and wellness and economic opportunities.<\/p>\n
Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and managers from Orange County\u2019s Neighborhood Preservation and Revitalization, Building Safety, Community Action, Planning and Head Start divisions toured neighborhoods adjacent to downtown Orlando that will benefit from LIFT Orlando\u2019s mission.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a tremendous need for more accessible and readily-available affordable housing options in Orange County. We are working to tackle these needs through our INVEST in Our Home for Life housing initiatives,\u201d said Mayor Jacobs. \u201cSome families spend so much of their income on rent that they often struggle to afford the basic necessities such as food, transportation and electricity. LIFT Orlando is a perfect example of how we can transform our most vulnerable neighborhoods through the collective efforts of our community and committed business partners.\u201d<\/p>\n
LIFT Orlando\u2019s executive team \u2013 Executive Director Eddy Moratin, Chief Operating Officer Terry Prather and Director of Development Leah Shepherd \u2013 kicked off the tour by detailing their comprehensive plan for incredible neighborhood transformation through community partnerships.<\/p>\n
LIFT Orlando will replace the Washington Shores Village apartments with The Villages of West Lakes, a new multi-family, mixed-income housing complex scheduled to open in 2017. This will provide residents with high quality, yet affordable housing conveniently located near schools, healthcare and business opportunities. The Villages of West Lakes, which includes a senior living component, is located near the Orlando Citrus Bowl.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe believe that the renovation of the Citrus Bowl provides a unique opportunity for business and community leaders to create pathways of progress for some of Orange County\u2019s most challenged residents,\u201d said LIFT Orlando Director of Development, Leah Shepherd. \u201cOur focus is on the revitalization of the historic neighborhoods surrounding the Citrus Bowl, and divided by 408, known as Lake Lorna Doone and Sunset Lake.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lift Orlando is led by senior managers from Florida Hospital, Orlando Health, Florida Citrus Sports and CNL Financial.<\/p>\n