hurricane_katrina.jpgLAUDERDALE LAKES — The Broward County Housing Authority is about to invest $1.4 million to strengthen three of its multi-family rental communities to better withstand storms.

Grant funding awarded by Broward County Housing Finance and Community Development Division in late February will cover the cost of upgrades to the affordable properties of Highland Gardens, Park Ridge Court and College Gardens. 

Damage sustained during recent hurricane seasons made establishing a culture of preparedness one of Florida’s highest priorities. 

Community Development Block Grant (CDGB)-Disaster Recovery

Initiative (DRI) Funds from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) were made available to Broward County as part of the statewide initiative to protect multi-family homes against future storm damage. 

“We have experienced some storm damage in the past and want to ensure that families living in our properties will be safe should another storm hit,” said Ann Deibert, CEO of BCHA. 

Deibert said work at the three properties, which will include installing new roof systems and other hurricane-resistant improvements, will begin in the next few weeks and should take a few months to complete. 

Founded in 1969, BCHA creates housing opportunities for nearly 12,000 county residents by utilizing public and private funding. It focuses on providing affordable housing through the ownership/management of properties, administration of rental subsidies and counseling of homeowners and prospective owners.

For more information visit bchafl.org