Goodwill seeks residents with disabilities for LaBelle apartment complex

Sept. 28, 2009 - PRLog -- “Palmetto Ranch,” a LaBelle apartment complex for people with disabilities, is preparing to open its doors.  Goodwill is currently accepting applicants for residents.  Applicants must have a medically certified disability in order to qualify for residency in these income-subsidized apartments.

Goodwill’s Palmetto Ranch housing complex is designed specifically to accommodate people with disabilities.  These accessible apartments are constructed with amenities such as roll-in showers, lowered countertops, widened doorways, and assistance railings.

SW Florida Goodwill Housing broke ground on the 14-unit apartment complex in February.  A planned “phase two” will provide 14 additional HUD-Approved units for people with disabilities.

At the time of the 2000 census, there were more than 2,400 individuals with disabilities residing in Hendry County (1).   At the February groundbreaking, the Chairman of Goodwill’s Board of Directors, Raymond Holland, explained that Palmetto Ranch will help provide much-needed assistance for these residents: “There is a shortage of desirable services for Hendry County’s most vulnerable citizens.”  

The Palmetto Ranch housing complex is located near the intersection of James Singleton Place and State Road 80.  Persons interested in residing at Palmetto Ranch may contact Morgan Severson at (239) 995-6100 for more information and an application.

Goodwill’s Southwest Florida GWI Housing, Inc. provides barrier-free housing for persons with physical disabilities, presenting the opportunity for affordable, convenient, independent living to enhance the overall quality of life.

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(1)  Erickson, W. A., Lee, C. G. (2005, April 4). Disability Statistics from the Decennial Census 2000. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Demographics and Statistics (StatsRRTC). Retrieved September 28, 2009 from www.disabilitystatistics.org

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Goodwill operates 24 thrift stores in SW Florida to support its mission of removing barriers to independence. Programs include income-sensitive housing, career placement assistance, the L.I.F.E. Academy Charter School, Four Wheels for Work, and others.