New affordable housing development breaks ground in Immokalee

IMMOKALEE, Fla. (WINK)—A new affordable housing development is coming to Immokalee, aiming to address the community's housing challenges.

The project is expected to bring 230 affordable rental units to the area, designed for Collier County residents earning up to 60% of the area median income. Rent is expected to start around $1,200 for a one-bedroom, going up to about $1,600 for a three-bedroom.

The development is a partnership between Onda Housing Group, Collier County and other organizations. Developers say this project comes after seeing the struggles many families in Immokalee have faced.

"What really connected all the dots for me was getting engaged with the lack of quality housing opportunity that exists in Immokalee, where families are literally renting a corner in the room or in a closet and sleeping on a mattress on the floor, sometimes four families to a very small space, and that wasn't right," said Andrew Cribbs, CEO and co-founder of Onda Housing Group.

Immokalee resident Idalia Perez highlighted the severity of the housing crisis in the community.

"In Immokalee, there are people who live five in one room and pay $130 a week, and many live in one room," Perez said. "So, that's why I think this is a good."

The affordable housing project is expected to be completed in 2027, with more information on how to apply expected to be released later this year.