A new affordable housing complex in Winter Haven, Jersey Commons, in Florida, has attracted an overwhelming 11,000 applications for just 68 apartments, revealing a critical demand in Polk County. The development combines affordable living with onsite behavioral health services to support residents facing mental health and substance abuse challenges. Officials and nonprofits gathered to mark the complex’s opening on May 27.
Unprecedented Demand Surges
Jersey Commons, an affordable housing project in Winter Haven, has received an extraordinary 11,000 applications for its 68 available units. This far exceeded expectations, with officials shocked at the scale of unmet housing needs in Polk County. Comparatively, previous complexes like Swan Landing and Swan Lake Village had 3,000 applicants for 85 units, highlighting the intensified demand.
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Focus on Mental Health
The complex targets “high-need, high-utilizers” of crisis mental health services, such as those admitted involuntarily under the Baker Act or Marchman Act or repeatedly seen by local crisis stabilization programs. This focus aims to stabilize individuals at risk of homelessness due to behavioral health challenges.
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Supportive Services Included
Jersey Commons offers on-site behavioral health services, including individual counseling, assessments, and group therapy. A counselor will be available weekdays for eight hours daily, while case managers will provide 24/7 crisis support to residents, ensuring immediate assistance as needed…