Special to the Daily Record
United Way of Northeast Florida received a $1 million donation from The Jim Moran Foundation to support a housing program in the region.
The grant, given in celebration of the foundation's 25th anniversary, will expand United Way’s current home repair program in North Riverside and on the Eastside to New Town and Robinson’s Addition.
“For many older adults in long-neglected communities, a repaired roof, working plumbing or safe flooring can mean the difference between independence and displacement. This grant allows us to restore not just homes but dignity and stability for our neighbors who need it most,” said Melanie Patz, United Way of Northeast Florida president and CEO, in an April 1 news release.
United Way said it aims to repair 450 senior-owned homes by 2030.
Nearly 40% of households in Northeast Florida face financial hardship, according to the latest report from United Way and its research partner United For ALICE. The population includes households living in poverty and those known as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed).
To qualify for United Way’s home repair program, a homeowner must be 65 or older and live in one of the targeted neighborhoods, hold a clear property deed and have no outstanding taxes or liens. Their home must need repairs that directly address safety and habitability including roofing deficiencies, plumbing and sewer failures, non-functioning HVAC systems, electrical hazards or structural flooring damage.
“When seniors can safely remain in their homes, it strengthens the entire neighborhood,” James Ellout, vice president of community impact at United Way, said in the release.
“Targeted home repairs help preserve housing affordable for low-income families, prevent costly displacement and reduce strain on available community resources.”
In 2023, United Way received a $10 million commitment from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott for home repairs, new development and community development corporation capacity-building.
Since that commitment, other organizations have invested in United Way’s housing work, including JPMorganChase, the Jessie Ball duPont Fund and First Horizon Bank, bringing United Way’s total commitment to regional housing solutions to $11.7 million.
The late automobile dealer Jim Moran established The Jim Moran Foundation in 2000 to ensure his giving back to children and families would continue for generations.
To recognize its 25-year milestone, the foundation committed more than $27 million in addition to its traditional grantmaking to support nonprofit partners meeting the needs of people in Duval, Broward and Palm Beach counties.