Keys Health and Housing will highlight its health services and housing programs during Fantasy Fest while continuing its work to address affordable housing needs throughout the Florida Keys.
Leah Stockton, director of development and engagement for Keys Health and Housing, joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about the organization.
The organization, which brought together the former A.H. Monroe and Florida Keys Outreach Coalition, has a 40-year history of providing health services and housing support to individuals and families throughout the Florida Keys.
Stockton said Fantasy Fest has long been an important part of the organization’s fundraising history, particularly through the King and Queen campaign.
“The King and Queen campaign was a huge fundraiser for A.H. Monroe all the way back to the AIDS Health days as well, and we have quite the legacy built with Fantasy Fest,” Stockton said.
She added that the organization remains grateful for the community members who have supported its work through the years.
“We are eternally grateful to all of our kings and queens and dukes and duchesses out there,” Stockton said.
That history is also recognized at Point Siena Royale, one of the organization’s properties. Stockton said the community room features photographs of past Fantasy Fest kings and queens, along with their names and the years they won.
“We really want to honor the legacy that our royalty has built for the organization,” she said.
As part of this year’s Fantasy Fest activities, Keys Health and Housing will participate in Friday’s street fair in the 700 block of Duval Street. The organization will focus on HIV prevention and provide free condoms, HIV test kits and educational materials.
Stockton encouraged residents and visitors to stop by and learn more about the organization’s work.
“We will be out meeting and greeting with the community, talking about the work that we do,” she said.
The organization is also preparing to launch a redesigned website at keyshh.org, potentially next week or the following week. Stockton said the site is being redesigned to make it easier for people to find the resources they need.
“We’ve really redesigned the website to reflect sort of the community resource that we are as an organization, and it’s going to be very user-friendly,” Stockton said.
The website will direct visitors to information about specific needs, including homeless shelters, permanent housing and assistance for people trying to remain in their current homes.
Affordable housing will also be the focus of a public town hall meeting hosted by Key West Mayor Sam Kaufman on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers at City Hall.
The meeting will bring together housing professionals, city officials, community stakeholders and residents to share information, answer questions and discuss ways to create and preserve affordable housing in Key West.
Stockton said Keys Health and Housing looks forward to participating in the conversation and working with others to develop solutions.
Meanwhile, the organization has housing opportunities available at the Lofts of Bahama Village. Stockton said there are openings for two- and three-bedroom units for households meeting the property’s eligibility requirements, which include an income limit of 120% of the area median income.
Additional openings may become available at Poinciana Royale, Marty’s Place and other properties.
People interested in housing assistance can call Keys Health and Housing at 305-296-6196 or email [email protected].
Stockton also encouraged community members to get involved by volunteering or supporting the organization’s programs.
“Just as always, if you would like to join our efforts, please reach out. We’re always looking for supporters and volunteers,” she said.
Those who need assistance can also contact the organization for help or referrals to appropriate resources.
“If you are in need of help in the community, also please reach out. We would be glad to assist or point you in the right direction,” Stockton said.