On March 14, 2016, City Council approved the execution of a CDBG funding agreement between the City of Orlando and Harbor House of Central Florida, Inc. for the Phase III construction costs towards a new violence shelter.  The new shelter is an $8 million undertaking with numerous funding partners including Orange County, various foundations, corporations, businesses and individuals. Due to a combination of several factors, (the complex nature of the funding, continuing to operate the existing facility during construction, unforeseen changes in leadership) the construction timeline was revised.  As a result, the Harbor House CDBG agreement is being extended for 90 days.  It is the policy of the Housing and Community Development Department to require CDBG construction contracts to complete within one fiscal year, however, due to the unique circumstances of this project, City staff supports this request and seeks City Council approval to extend the agreement until December 31, 2016.

Harbor House of Central Florida, Inc. is the only state-certified domestic abuse organization in Orange County. The new 27,500 sq. ft., 104 bed facility will provide shelter to families who are at the highest risk of losing their lives. Without their abusers’ income, the annual income of the families residing at the shelter is often less than $10,000. The new shelter will operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.