CHR May 2024 NEWSLETTER

Preliminary Drawings of Riverview

The Team at CHR is so excited to announce that we are rebuilding Riverview at 1517 Periwinkle Way, (right behind 7-11). The rebuild will consist of two buildings: the first one will replace the previous affordable housing structure and will be a ten one-bedroom one-bathroom building. The second one is going to be eight en-suite style rooms. The resident will have their own private bedroom and bathroom but share a kitchen and living room. CHR is "re-imagining" housing and aiming to create more ways for individuals to live and work on the islands.

More Drawings Below.

CHR IN THE COMMUNITY

CHR Resident Melissa Mendez started a new job at the Sanibel Captiva Community Bank. She will be a customer service representative and bank teller at the main Sanibel location. Congratulations Melissa!

CHR’s Miller-Berg Named To Latest SWFL Leadership Class



SANIBEL ISLAND, Florida. [April 26, 2024]— Savannah Miller-Berg, Deputy Executive Director for Community Housing & Resources (CHR), will join 27 professionals from area businesses and nonprofits in a community leadership program through SWFL Inc.

Leadership SWFL educates business professionals in the economic, demographic and societal resources and challenges in the region. The immersive eight-month program, which kicks off in May, prepares people to serve as effective leaders by providing a deeper understanding of the community, exploring crucial components and diverse perspectives across Southwest Florida. SWFL Inc. is a regional Chamber of Commerce serving businesses in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties.

“I’m honored and excited to join these community champions through Leadership SWFL,” said Miller-Berg. “Together we’ll explore what’s great about our region, where the challenges lie, and how we can apply our individual strengths collectively to benefit the community.”

Miller-Berg came to Florida from Eugene, Oregon, in 2019 to study public health at Florida Gulf Coast University. She earned her bachelor’s degree while learning about and volunteering with nonprofits, Miller-Berg joined CHR in July 2023, becoming Deputy Executive Director in February. Beyond her CHR responsibilities, she is an active member of the Sanibel Captiva Business Women’s Association and the Rotary Club of Sanibel-Captiva.

“Ever since high school, I have wanted to make a positive impact on individuals' lives," Miller-Berg said. "I believe service is vital for growing and developing a strong community. My role at CHR has inspired me to continue pushing myself to learn and develop further as a leader. SWFL Leadership is a fantastic next step.”

CHR Executive Director Nicole McHale applauded Miller-Berg. “All of us at CHR are fiercely proud of Savannah,” she said. “She’s already an outstanding leader with a compassionate heart. We can’t wait to see her apply those strengths to the region at large.”

CHR's April Extravangaza was a hit!

Thank you to The Sanibel Community House for hosting us and for all your help!

Help us in welcoming CHR's newest staff members!

Facilities Manager, Blake Donnelly

Tracy Haskins, Bookkeeper



Tracy is a native Floridian who has been living on the West Coast for 20 years. She is the oldest of five children and a first-generation American with parents from Panama in Central America. Tracy has a daughter who is in her final year of nursing school and a grandson who she shares a birthday with!

With over 20 years of experience in accounting and finance, Tracy has established a successful career in this field. She has held direct management positions for the past ten years, allowing her to nurture her leadership skills. 

Tracy is also passionate about giving back and has participated in two mission trips to Haiti with the Sisters of Charity. In her free time, Tracy enjoys reading, walking, and bicycling. She has a Yorkie, a cat, and a Quaker parrot that bring her joy and companionship. Tracy has been vacationing and visiting Sanibel with family and friends for years, which is one of her favorite destinations.

CHR is so happy to have her!

Come Join the Thursday Crew!

Are you interested in doing some light handyman work while giving back to the workforce and seniors in the community?

Come join the CHR Crew on Thursdays! They meet at 800 Casa Ybel Rd. garage at 9am every Thursday!

Please sign up on POINT if you are interested!



https://dash.pointapp.org/events/134255

Congratulations to April's Raffle winners!

We'll be randomly selecting residents each week as part of the April Extravaganza! No need to enter, we'll announce the winners every Friday! Winner's for this week have been contacted.

A very big thank you to our local people and businesses that donated the raffle prizes:

FISH of SANCAP

The Island Store - Captiva (Bailey's)

Jerry's Foods - Sanibel

The Shack

Doc Ford's

Adventures in Paradise

Big Arts

United Way

Bridgit Budd

Captiva Crust Pizza Company

Rachel Pierce

Kingfisher Real Estate

Previous Winners:

Big Congratulations to John Ransack for being our FREE RENT raffle winner!

Thank you Bank of The Islands!

Thank you for your generous donation to Community Housing and Resources and other Sanibel-Captiva organizations! We're grateful and feeling the love!

In case you missed it!

CHR's Nicole spoke about Affordable, Efficient, and Sustainable Building Practices at the SanCap Resilience Community Event on 4.8.24. Video Link Below!

CHR was in the Islands Night Parade!

We loved seeing our community and spreading the word about

Community Housing and Resources

Senator Martin comes to Sanibel!



Senator Jonathan Martin came to visit Sanibel Island and see what CHR’s been up to and hear about our Riverview project. We are excited to grow our relationship and hopefully see him soon for the first dig at Riverview!

Photo: Nick Roch, Olivia Myers, Yleana, Senator Jonathan Martin, Holly Smith, Richie, Nicole McHale and Savannah Miller-Berg

Tell us something good that happened to YOU. Whether it was reuniting with an old friend after the storm or simply trying a new recipe we want to know! (Also, if you tried a new recipe feel free to share it!). 

We'd love your support!



Affordable housing makes living on Sanibel possible for people that otherwise may not be able to, creates diversity on the island, and most importantly, gives a “hand up” to many deserving people.

CHR is funded through Grants, Residents' rent, and Support & Donations from our generous community.

Please use the button below to donate today!

CHR Resident Features!

Second Job Reminder!

The CHR Board is providing an opportunity for our residents and supports the needs of our business community with the option to obtain a second job on Sanibel or at a Sanibel based business located on Captiva. We have modified the CHR rental agreement to not incur an increase in rent from the income resulting from the second job. This allows our residents to grow their financial stability and support economic recovery for the businesses on the Island. 

Please note: In order to qualify for housing CHR residents will need to maintain a full-time position on Sanibel Island or at a Sanibel Island based business. Unless otherwise stated in the residents lease. 

Click here for more information.

Job Openings on Sanibel

Sanibel Events

Ride of Silence

As last year, SBC is participating in the annual worldwide Ride of Silence to remember colleagues who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways. The ride will begin and end at The Community Park at 2231 Periwinkle Way.

Billy's Bikes will provide extra helmets, safety vests, and water. Please arrive by 6:45 so we can take a picture, and talk about the reasons for the ride prior to a prompt 7:00 departure Slow pace around town, similar to last year's route. Please register and sign the waiver in advance if you are planning to attend so we can get an estimate of the count beforehand and speed the check-in process.

Quote of the Month

"Be an Eco-Warrior not an Eco-Worrier" It is very important to be conscious of how we throw away used and unwanted items. There is a Recycling Center on Dunlop Road across from the Library. Click the link to find out more information on how to recycle properly!

Recycling tips

Every community has different recycling “rules” based on their sorting process and sale of recycled materials.



Here are some tips to make recycling more efficient at Lake Palms:

·       Flatten all boxes - even the small ones

·       Clean containers - no food scraps or stains

·       No foam, no plastic bags (some stores will recycle these)

·       Empty bags into the bins. Recyclables will commingle and save space

Want more information? The county’s website has lots of helpful tips. 

leegov.com/solidwaste

CHR has a NEW Facebook Page be sure to link us here!

– We're moving! Our new address is 2340 Periwinkle Way Suite K-2, in the village shops. Stop by and say Hi!