Collier Community Foundation

The 2024 Collier Community Foundation Community Report is here! Read how Collier Community Foundation is making strides in housing, disaster, and environmental resiliency in the 2024 Community Report. https://lnkd.in/euYKdCVK

Thanks to WFTX FOX 4 for sharing our story of the opening of Ekos Allegro, a 100% fixed-income housing development that is providing affordable housing for this formerly homeless Vietnam Vet and his wife. #whereourgrantsgo McDowell Housing Partners The Housing Alliance

Big news! The CCF Collier Housing Impact Investment Fund, which incentivizes the development of more affordable units, made its first loan of nearly $1.3 million to cover impact fees, enabling the opening of Ekos Allegro, a development for fixed-income seniors 62 and over, that is built to the highest hurricane standards. Residents started moving into their new homes this week, including Daniel Mullins, a Vietnam Veteran in the Special Forces, and Cynthia VanBibber, who were formerly homeless. Without this loan, the opening would have been delayed at least another four or five months—making a significant difference for those moving into their new homes. And, of course, it takes a village to make these initiatives possible. The Housing Alliance. an organization formed and funded by CCF designed to be the go-to resource for workforce, lower-income, and senior housing, was instrumental to this success story, as well as NAMI of Collier County which is assisting with the move-ins and providing vital services for the residents. The couple was overcome with joy and amazement when they were given their keys and saw their new home for the first time! #housingaffordability #whereourgrantsgo

Hurricane Milton Update: While there are pockets in Collier County that have been affected by flooding and in need of food, water, and cleaning supplies, we feel incredibly fortunate to have been spared the worst of Hurricane Milton. After numerous updates from Emergency Management and our COAD - Disaster Ready Collier County, we’re relieved to report minimal damage in our area. However, our neighbors to the north in Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota were not as lucky and are in urgent need of assistance. You can make a difference by donating to the Collier Community Foundation #CollierComesTogether Hurricane Relief Fund, which allows you to direct your support to the affected area of your choice. Additionally, you can contribute to ongoing relief efforts through the Community Foundation Tampa Bay or the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Your generosity will help these communities recover and rebuild. https://lnkd.in/er3C2e9w

Thank you to Newsmax Media, Inc. for interviewing Eileen Connolly-Keesler and Ashley Maher this morning to help spread the word about our COAD, Disaster Ready Collier County and the importance of philanthropy in hurricane recovery. We are your philanthropic first responder and we will get through this together. Please listen to advice from our county and state leaders about staying safe and we will see you after the storm! #colliercomestogether #hurricanemilton https://lnkd.in/ee4x-xXT https://lnkd.in/eyFarbu8

In the effort to coordinate disaster resources, the Collier Community Foundation formed Disaster Ready Collier County, a new COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster) dedicated to disaster response that enhances communication, coordinates resources, and streamlines immediate and long-term recovery efforts following a hurricane or disaster—making it easier for residents to access resources in real-time and navigate the recovery process. If you would like to volunteer for relief efforts after the storm, this is who to contact! Learn more at https://lnkd.in/eB2GfQbu. Stay safe everyone! #colliercomestogether

In anticipation of #HurricaneMilton and its potentially devastating impact on our area, Collier Community Foundation has once again reactivated the #colliercomestogether Hurricane Disaster Fund to assist Hurricane Milton victims. Activating the fund allows CCF to act quickly to ensure immediate aid is provided where needed most. The fund's purpose is to assist those affected and the nonprofits that support the victims in the aftermath of a crisis. The fund also ensures donors' support reaches its intended cause. Following a disaster or emergency, fraudulent sites pop up, misleading donors about where their funds will go. Visit here to donate: https://lnkd.in/er3C2e9w The Collier Community Foundation team will be working remotely starting today at noon due to the possibility of flooding and excessive winds from Hurricane Milton. We will be answering phones so feel free to contact us. We will be back in the office on Friday, weather permitting.

Join us in celebrating STOCK Development who will receive the Outstanding Corporate Philanthropy Award and the other 2024 honorees at the Celebration of Philanthropy on November 1. Purchase tickets and learn more here: https://lnkd.in/dCjWJChe

Join us in celebrating The Everglades Foundation for receiving the Harvey Kapnick Award and the other 2024 honorees on November 1. Purchase tickets and learn more here: https://lnkd.in/dCjWJChe Ellin Goetz

While we wait to hear of the extent of damage in Collier County, the Big Bend area of Florida is dealing with catastrophic flooding and damage from #hurricanehelene, which roared ashore at 140 mph as a category 4 storm. Our friends at the Community Foundation of North Florida (CFNF) have activated their disaster relief fund to provide relief to Perry, Tallahassee, and the surrounding areas. You can give directly to their fund at https://lnkd.in/e9bW5HPe You can also donate to our Collier Comes Together Fund and note you would like your support to benefit North Florida disaster relief. https://lnkd.in/ey6eQzPJ