FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:    Karen Hawes or Linda Berry, Lee County Department of Human Services
                (941) 652-7930

FORT MYERS, Fla. (June 22, 2001) – Lee County is looking for qualified contractors to work in its affordable housing programs.

The Department of Human Services has funding available for housing rehabilitation, demolition and clearance activities in unincorporated Lee County. General and sub contractors licensed in Lee County can apply.

All contractors are required to submit proof of insurance, as required, and copies of license(s).

For more information or to receive an information packet, contact the Housing Services Program, Lee County Department of Human Services, 83 Pondella Road, Suite #1, North Fort Myers, FL 33903. Or call the Department of Human Services at 652-7930 (office hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Housing Services includes:

• Home Ownership Opportunity programs such as the Affordable Housing Homeownership Assistance (AHHA) and HOPE 3 programs, which acquire and rehabilitate vacant, blighted residential properties for resale to low-income first time homebuyers; and

• Housing Stock Rehabilitation programs such as the Owner/Renter Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program (rehabilitation of substandard housing), Weatherization Assistance programs (repair and replacement of home energy efficiency items), and Demolition Program (demolition and site clearance of dilapidated residential structures).

Lee County Human Services provides a complement of integrated services to low-income families and disadvantaged neighborhoods, including emergency financial assistance, housing assistance, counseling services, housing rehabilitation, neighborhood infrastructure improvements and neighborhood building, and services for the homeless. The department employs 42 people and has a fiscal year 2001 budget of $16.5 million.