Triplex for veterans under construction in Punta Gorda

Peace River Community Housing Partners and its supporters gathered Aug. 5 to tour a triplex under construction in Punta Gorda that will provide housing for three veteran families. The homes are expected to be move-in ready by early 2026.

Nationwide, 23% of the veteran population is unhoused, and veterans make up 10% of the population in Charlotte County, PORCH data shows.

The nonprofit seeks to provide safe, affordable housing for those who are economically disadvantaged, including disabled veterans and the unhoused, said Denise Dull, director of marketing and operations. PORCH also operates as a Community Land Trust, acquiring and renovating rental properties.

The new development, known as Villas on Scott, is located on Scott Street near Lavilla Road, close to downtown Punta Gorda and Interstate 75. Each of the three two-bedroom units will rent for 30% of the tenant’s income and will be connected to city water and sewer, thanks to a new utility extension.

Dull said the city of Punta Gorda, Charlotte County government, primary funders, including Charlotte County Human Services, the Peter & Elsa Soderberg and Gulf Coast Community foundations, Mosaic and individual donors helped to make the triplex project a reality.

Because the area is a coastal high hazard zone, replacing septic systems with sewer service was a priority for environmental and infrastructure reasons. PORCH requested a sewer line extension through the Charlotte HOME application process, and after working with Punta Gorda Utilities and contractor Wal Tech LLC, funding was approved by the Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners through the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

The Request for Proposal for the project was issued in April 2021, with a deadline the following month. Fundraising efforts began immediately after.

The project’s funding goal is $1.06 million. As of Aug. 6, PORCH is close to reaching that target but still faces a small funding gap. Additional donations are welcome.

There is an urgent need for affordable housing, Dull said, and additional funding for the triplex is still needed.

Charlotte County needs more than 10,000 new housing units this year to meet population demands, according to PORCH. Of those, more than 5,500 should be for residents earning less than 80% of the area median income.

Contributions can be made by clicking here or mailing to Peace River Community Housing Partners, 21500 Gibralter Drive, Port Charlotte, Florida, 33952.