$25K Grant Will Address Energy-Efficient Housing in University Area

From the University Area Community Development Corporation:

A $25,000 grant from Bank of America Charitable Foundation has been awarded to the University Area Community Development Corporation, Inc. (UACDC) for a UACDC representative to become trained on LEED (r) for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND).

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification sets the environmental standards for green development and innovative building practices, according to the U.S. Green Building Council. Energy-efficient, single family homes are vital in transforming the University Area Community into a place where families can begin to put down roots.

"The LEED-ND training is costly, so this education will open doors for larger
grants and the potential for energy-efficient single-family housing and smart community growth," said Dan Jurman, UACDC executive director and CEO. "Our intention is to create housing options that will begin to change the trajectory of this neighborhood by turning properties that create regular
problems for our Sheriff's office and our hard-working community members into properties that are incredibly positive in our community."

The very families that have worked hard to improve their lives through the
help of the UACDC and its partners, and who might begin to stabilize the
neighborhood, don't have suitable housing options in this community. There are approximately 12,000 dwelling units in the neighborhood with fewer than 10 percent single-family homes. Nearly all of the single-family units are old and in poor condition. The long term goal of the UACDC is to offer
energy-efficient single family homes for purchase and on a rent to own basis to members of the University Area Community.

UACDC's Mike Morina, chief community development officer, will participate in the LEED-ND workshop and training funded by the grant which is part of a $22 million national investment by Bank of America to build and rehab affordable housing, offer foreclosure prevention services, homeowner counseling, and other services that invigorate and rejuvenate neighborhoods.

"In response to the many challenges facing our communities, we are focusing our philanthropic support on areas vital to advancing local economies," said Bill Goede, Tampa Bay market president, Bank of America. "The bank's investment in local nonprofits that help individuals and families regain financial stability through housing and other community development initiatives is one way we're working to stabilize and advance the Tampa Bay area."