Immokalee breaks ground on 80-unit affordable housing complex

IMMOKALEE, Fla. (WINK)—The Diocese of Venice in Florida and National Development of America broke ground on Casa San Juan Diego, marking the first step in an effort to expand affordable housing opportunities in Immokalee.

Casa San Juan Diego will add 80 brand-new rental units to the community, providing housing for qualified residents who earn up to 60% of the average median income and work in Immokalee. The project is expected to be completed by early 2027.

"Casa San Juan Diego represents both progress and celebration, the culmination of a vision that began many years ago with the Diocese of Venice, Immokalee Community Redevelopment Agency, Collier County Housing Authority and the Collier County Board of County Commissioners to bring quality, affordable housing to hardworking families in this community," said John Raymond, director of real estate for National Development of America.

Raymond said the organization is proud to see its first project in Immokalee come to life and deliver housing that strengthens local families and neighborhoods. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by officials from the Diocese of Venice in Florida and National Development of America, as well as Collier County Commissioner Bill McDaniel.

National Development and the Diocese of Venice first embarked on this project in 2020 to address the critical shortage of quality, affordable rental housing in Southwest Florida.

"Affordable housing takes commitment, creativity and collaboration," Raymond said. "This milestone shows what can be achieved when faith, leadership and the public and private sectors come together with a shared purpose."