Leah Stockton, Director of Development and Engagement for AH Monroe, joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about the organization.
AH Monroe is celebrating 40 years in the Keys.
Stockton said, “The organization was founded in 1986 by a small group of people that wanted to get involved when they saw that their friends and neighbors were suffering during the HIV/AIDS crisis, and so they said, what can we do about it? And here we are, 40 years later, still committed to that mission and serving the community in so many ways.”
The 31st annual Taste of Key West is coming up on Monday.
Stockton said, “We have over 4000 guests usually come out throughout the evening, and we have almost 50 restaurant and beverage partners participating. It’s really going to be beautiful right there on the Truman waterfront. Really a fun evening. Come out, try some of your favorite restaurants. Give it a go with a few new ones that you’ve never tried before, and all of the proceeds from the event support our work in the community. So a great evening, great cause. We hope everybody will join us. It really is such a nice venue down there. Uber, or ride your bike, or catch a ride with a friend, because parking is a bit tight. But we hope everybody will join us that evening. We will be there. I will be there. Come stop by and see me in the AH Monroe tent with anniversary cake. We’ll have a free cake for everybody who stops by our booth so that we can celebrate this milestone moment for us 40 years.”
Funding has been a bit of an issue recently.
Stockton said, “It’s been a rough year for many nonprofits and I think that’s when our community comes together. We have more sponsors supporting this year for Taste of Key West than we ever have. And so that just shows people in the community want to step up, want to help. And I think that the community will show up on Monday night. And everybody, whether you spend $20 on tasting tickets or $150 for a VIP pass, or anywhere in between, just know that all the restaurants donate their food, their time. The beer and wine are donated through Republic National distributing companies. So just know that you buying those tickets really does help be able to provide that health and housing in the community.”
The Lofts at Bahama Village opened in the fall.
Stockton said, “We are very proud that opened in the fall, and as of about two, three weeks ago, we are at 100% occupancy over on the rental side, all 98 units are full and have people living and working here in our community. So it’s really nice to see that really come together. And on the homeownership side, that’s not our side. The city of Key West manages that side. But I know that’s filling up too. So it’s really nice to see it sort of become part of the community and see all the folks settling in there. So we’re very proud of that. And not stopping there. Always on to the next way that we can grow and strengthen our mission. So lots to come, I think, in the year ahead as well. We’re here to help. Anybody in need of affordable housing in the community can reach out. If you’re in need of our health services, you can reach out as well. We’re here to help, and we appreciate everybody’s support.”
For more information, click here: https://ahhousing.org/