As Keys Health and Housing celebrates its 40th anniversary, the nonprofit is expanding HIV prevention services, continuing its affordable housing mission and encouraging residents to take advantage of available resources throughout the Florida Keys.
Leah Stockton, director of development and engagement at Keys Health and Housing, joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5 FM to talk about the organization.
Formerly known as AH Monroe the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition, the organization rebranded earlier this year as Keys Health and Housing to reflect its integrated approach to healthcare and affordable housing.
“It’s 40 years this year,” Stockton said. “The organization has evolved quite a bit, but we still remain true to our roots of providing housing and healthcare, both, and we believe that they are interconnected; that you can’t have one without the other. So, 40 years later, here we are.”
One of the organization’s newest initiatives comes through a state grant that will expand HIV prevention efforts across Monroe County.
“We just received a grant from the state for HIV prevention,” Stockton said. “We will be expanding our HIV prevention efforts out into the community. We can do testing on site at local businesses, events and that sort of thing on an outreach basis, or people are welcome to come by our office for testing.”
In addition to confidential testing, the organization provides referrals to other health and social service resources, along with HIV prevention supplies for businesses and community organizations interested in participating.
“If someone would like to have those on site or be able to tell their customers, clients or consumers more about those efforts, they can reach out,” Stockton said.
Businesses interested in hosting testing events or learning more about the prevention program can contact Keys Health and Housing directly.
There are also affordable housing opportunities at The Lofts, the nonprofit’s apartment community in Bahama Village. While the complex has been open for nearly a year, several units are currently becoming available.
“We actually have seven units that are open or will soon be open—two- and three-bedroom units,” Stockton said. “If anyone is interested in living at The Lofts, now would be a great time to reach out.”
The apartments are income-qualified for households earning 120 percent of the area median income or less, with rent based on household size and income.
“It really is in the heart of Old Town,” Stockton said. “I don’t think you could ask for a better location right there at Truman Waterfront, the Splash Pad, Fort Zach, close to downtown.”
Beyond housing, Keys Health and Housing continues operating its Loaves and Fish Food Pantry at 2221 Patterson Ave. in Key West, providing nonperishable food to residents in need while also accepting food and financial donations from the community.
“Anyone in the community is welcome to stop by if they need food,” Stockton said. “Just as importantly, if you have food to donate or financial donations to support our efforts at the food pantry, those are gratefully accepted.”
The nonprofit is also continuing long-term redevelopment plans for Poinciana Plaza, a project that will eventually provide space for eight nonprofit organizations while continuing affordable housing and supportive services.
“Nothing happens overnight, but we steadily continue to make progress,” Stockton said.
She encouraged anyone needing assistance—or anyone looking to support the organization’s mission—to get in touch.
“We depend on the community to continue doing the work that we’re doing, and we’re always grateful for that support,” Stockton said. “If you’re out in the community and you need assistance, please also reach out because that is what we’re here to do. Even if it’s not something we can help with directly, we can connect you to the organization that can.”
For more information, click here: https://keyshh.org/