🏠 Welcome to the Housing Help Guide
From The Soulful Bridge

Let’s be honest — housing help can feel like a maze. Long lists, dead ends, judgment, and too many hoops to jump through. I’ve been there. Yep… I was homeless twice. I know exactly what it’s like to have nowhere to go and no idea what comes next.

That’s why I created this guide — not to overwhelm you, but to give you real, verified options that can actually help. Every property, program, and shelter listed here includes details like rent estimates, whether they work with folks who have evictions or records, and what documents you’ll need (usually a valid photo ID at minimum). We don’t promise miracles — but we do believe you deserve stability, dignity, and a fresh start.

You’re not broken. You’re not a failure. You’re just in a hard season, and we want to help you walk out of it — one step at a time.

With real love,
— Kathleen Sanchez
Founder, The Soulful Bridge

💡 Deposit & Utility Assistance – Central Florida

If you've been approved for a new apartment but can't afford the move-in costs, or if you're facing shut-off notices for utilities, these programs may help. Most are county-funded or supported by trusted nonprofits.

This section lists known deposit and utility assistance options across Volusia, Seminole, and Orange Counties. Requirements vary — call first and be ready with documents like a lease, ID, or income info.

📍 Volusia County

🔹 Volusia County Human Services – Emergency Assistance

May help with rental deposits, first month’s rent, and utility bills.

📞 386-736-5956
🌐 https://www.volusia.org/services/community-services/community-assistance/

🔹 The Neighborhood Center of West Volusia

Helps with utility bills and occasionally rental deposits. Must live in West Volusia.

📞 386-734-8120
🌐 https://neighborhoodcenterwv.org/

🔹 Mid-Florida Housing Partnership

Supports with housing stabilization services including deposits.

📞 386-274-4441
🌐 https://www.mfhp.org/

📍 Seminole County

🔹 Seminole County Community Assistance Office

Offers deposit assistance, rental help, and utility support for eligible residents. Must show lease or shut-off notice.

📍 3750 W SR 46, Sanford, FL 32771
📞 407-665-2300
🌐 https://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/departments-services/community-services/

🔹 Christian Sharing Center – Family & Financial Stability Program

Helps families stabilize housing through rental and utility assistance.

📞 407-260-9155
🌐 https://thesharingcenter.org/

📍 Orange County

🔹 Orange County Housing Stability Program

Offers short-term rental and deposit assistance to prevent homelessness.

📞 407-836-6500
🌐 https://www.ocfl.net/FamiliesHealthSocialSvcs/HousingStabilityProgram.aspx

🔹 Heart of Florida United Way – Utility & Rent Help

Connects residents to local utility and deposit assistance. Call 211 for intake.

📞 Dial 2-1-1 or text your ZIP code to 898-211
🌐 https://www.hfuw.org/gethelp/

🔹 Salvation Army – Orange County

Limited funding for emergency utilities and sometimes deposits.

📞 407-423-8581
🌐 https://salvationarmyflorida.org/orlando/

Volusia County Housing Help Guide

This section includes verified low-income housing options by city throughout Volusia County, including rent estimates, eviction-friendly and felony-friendly notes, shelters, deposit and utility assistance programs.

Daytona Beach

🏘️ Clyde Morris Landings
📍 1381 N Clyde Morris Blvd
📞 (386) 274-4777
💵 Rent: $700–$1,100
📝 Notes: LIHTC · Section 8 Accepted
🔗 https://www.volusia.org/services/community-services/community-assistance/housing/clyde-morris-landings.stml

🏘️ Coastline Cove
📍 101 Cove Trail
📞 (386) 258-5252
💵 Rent: Call property for rent
📝 Notes: Section 8 · Eviction-Friendly
🔗 http://coastlinecoveapts.com

🏘️ Carolina Club
📍 100 Carolina Lake Dr
📞 (386) 253-1515
💵 Rent: $862+ (1BR)
📝 Notes: LIHTC · 2.5x income
🔗 http://www.carolinaclubapartments.com

🏘️ Northwood Village
📍 1300 Jimmy Ann Dr
📞 (386) 255-8585
💵 Rent: Call property for rent
📝 Notes: Section 8 Accepted

🏘️ Lakeside Village
📍 155 Ontario Ct
📞 (855) 862-8405
💵 Rent: Call property for rent
📝 Notes: LIHTC

🏘️ Villages of Halifax
📍 121 Norma Dr
📞 (386) 947-1415
💵 Rent: Call property for rent
📝 Notes: LIHTC

DeLand

🏘️ Oak Hill Apartments (Elderly/Disabled)
📍 901 S Hill Ave
📞 (386) 736-1694
💵 Rent: Call property for rent
📝 Notes: Public Housing
🔗 https://www.delandhousing.com/locations/list

🏘️ Woodland Village
📍 900 S Clara Ave
📞 (386) 734-7729
💵 Rent: Call property for rent
📝 Notes: HUD
🔗 https://www.delandhousing.com/locations/list

🏘️ Candlelight Oaks
📍 928 W Plymouth Ave
📞 (386) 734-2350
💵 Rent: Call property for rent
📝 Notes: 2x income
🔗 https://www.delandhousing.com

Deltona

🏘️ Sterling Court Apartments
📍 1001 Sterlings Ct
📞 (386) 574-2464
💵 Rent: $800+
📝 Notes: 2.5x income
🔗 http://www.sterlingcourtapts.com
New Smyrna Beach

🏘️ Greenlawn Terrace
📍 500 Greenlawn St
📞 (386) 423-8989
💵 Rent: Call property for rent
📝 Notes: Section 8
🔗 https://www.newsmyrnahousing.com

🏘️ Indian Oaks
📍 500 Brooks St
📞 (386) 428-8171
💵 Rent: Call property for rent
📝 Notes: Section 8
🔗 https://www.newsmyrnahousing.com
Ormond Beach

🏘️ Bermuda Estates
📍 100 Hamilton Cir
📞 (386) 676-0788
💵 Rent: Call property for rent
📝 Notes: Affordable 55+
🔗 https://www.obha.org

🏘️ San Marco Apartments
📍 230 San Marco Dr
📞 (386) 677-3988
💵 Rent: Call property for rent
📝 Notes: Section 8
🔗 https://www.obha.org
Edgewater / Oak Hill / Orange City

🏘️ Oak Hill Apartments
📍 106 W Loop Rd
📞 (386) 345-3115
💵 Rent: Call property for rent
📝 Notes: Public Housing

🏘️ Edgewater Housing
📍 500 Ridgewood Ave
📞 (386) 424-2400
💵 Rent: Call property for rent
📝 Notes: 1–3 BR

Port Orange

🏘️ Town West Senior Living
📍 1600 Town West Blvd
📞 N/A
💵 Rent: Call property for rent
📝 Notes: Senior · LIHTC

South Daytona

🏘️ Caroline Village
📍 1275 S Beach St
📞 (386) 788-0604
💵 Rent: Call property for rent
📝 Notes: HUD

Seminole County Housing Help Guide

🏘️ Castle Woods Apartments
📍 Address: 1131 Castle Wood Ter, Casselberry, FL
📞 Phone: (888) 299-6384
💵 Rent: $946–$1,135
📝 Notes: LIHTC · Eviction Friendly-Circumstantial and must not owe previous property
🔗 Website: https://www.castlewoodapts.com

🏘️ Huntington Reserve
📍 Address: 2000 Rosecliff Cir, Sanford, FL
📞 Phone: (407) 322-5955
💵 Rent: $775–$820
📝 Notes: HUD · LIHTC
🔗 Website: https://www.huntingtonreserveapts.com

🏘️ Kensington Oaks
📍 Address: 1400 W 15th St, Sanford, FL
📞 Phone: (407) 328-9000
💵 Rent: Call property for rent
📝 Notes: LIHTC

🏘️ Sanford Landing
📍 Address: 1700 W Historic Goldsboro Blvd, Sanford, FL
📞 Phone: (407) 322-7734
💵 Rent: $900–$1,250
📝 Notes: Section 8

🏘️ Oviedo Town Centre II
📍 Address: 450 Fontana Cir, Oviedo, FL
📞 Phone: (407) 366-7212
💵 Rent: $850–$1,150
📝 Notes: LIHTC

🏘️ Garden Park Senior Living
📍 Address: 365 Garden Edge Point, Fern Park, FL
📞 Phone: (844) 364-5044
💵 Rent: $1,177–$1,682
📝 Notes: 55+ · LIHTC
🔗 Website: https://www.gardenparkseniorliving.com

🏘️ Altamonte Landings
📍 Address: 400 Alexander Ct, Altamonte Springs, FL
📞 Phone: (407) 339-4497
💵 Rent: Call property for rent
📝 Notes: Section 8 Accepted

🏘️ The Pines Apartments
📍 Address: 918 Birmingham Ct, Longwood, FL
📞 Phone: (407) 831-2871
💵 Rent: Call property for rent
📝 Notes: Section 8 Accepted

🏘️ Heron Ridge Apartments
📍 Address: 100 Heron Pt Way, Lake Mary, FL
📞 Phone: (407) 804-8100
💵 Rent: $900–$1,100
📝 Notes: LIHTC

🏘️ The Glades Apartments
📍 Address: 651 Glades Cir, Altamonte Springs, FL
📞 Phone: (407) 682-6220
💵 Rent: $900–$1,200
📝 Notes: LIHTC

Orange County Housing Help Guide

🏘️ Citrus Square Apartments
📍 Address: 5625 Hickey Way, Orlando, FL
📞 Phone: (407) 282-1500
💵 Rent: Call property for rent
📝 Notes: Public housing (Orlando Housing Authority)

🏘️ Griffin Park Apartments
📍 Address: 520 Callahan Dr, Orlando, FL
📞 Phone: (407) 282-1500
💵 Rent: Call property for rent
📝 Notes: Section 8 accepted

🏘️ Clarcona Groves Apartments
📍 Address: 5462 Clarcona Key Blvd, Orlando, FL
📞 Phone: (407) 904-6453
💵 Rent: Call property for rent
📝 Notes: HUD Senior Housing

🏘️ Silver Lakes Village
📍 Address: 5102 Cinderlane Pkwy, Orlando, FL
📞 Phone: (407) 822-5100
💵 Rent: Call property for rent
📝 Notes: Senior · LIHTC

🏘️ West Kennedy Apartments
📍 Address: 800 Kennedy Cir, Orlando, FL
📞 Phone: (407) 660-9529
💵 Rent: Call property for rent
📝 Notes: LIHTC · Family

Letters of Intent (LOIs)

• LOIs are used to show proof of active housing search or intent to lease/purchase

• Can be written by case managers, shelters, churches, or nonprofit advocates

• Especially useful for clients applying to units that require verification of efforts or to support court defenses against eviction

Homeownership Assistance Programs

This guide provides details on down payment assistance, loan options, and Letters of Intent (LOIs) for individuals seeking to become homeowners in Central Florida, particularly within Volusia, Seminole, and Orange Counties.

USDA Home Loans

• $0 down payment required

• Typically requires a 640+ credit score

• Must be in same job field for 2+ years

• Available in rural and suburban areas of Volusia and Seminole Counties

FHA Home Loans

• Requires 3.5% down payment

• More flexible credit requirements than conventional loans

• Good option for first-time buyers and those with past credit issues

VA Home Loans

• $0 down payment

• Exclusively for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families

• Backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs

Community Realtor – James Evans, The Kilted Team

• Highly recommended for his community-first approach

• Supports buyers using USDA, FHA, VA, and conventional loan programs

• Provides access to Florida Hometown Heroes and down payment assistance options

• Website: https://kiltedteam.com

• Text: 407-462-1348

The Soulful Bridge – Mission & Transitional Housing Vision

Mission Statement

The Soulful Bridge believes that housing is a human right, not a last resort. Our mission is to build pathways out of crisis by providing transitional shelter, community support, and long-term stability. We are committed to early intervention, grace-centered structure, and restoring dignity through action.

Transitional Housing Vision – 5-Year Plan

Our five-year plan includes the acquisition, renovation, and conversion of motels into clean, secure transitional housing units. The first property identified for this purpose is the Lake Katherine Motel in Longwood, Florida.

Phase 1: Lake Katherine Motel (Longwood, FL)

• Address: 1995 S US Highway 17-92, Longwood, FL 32750
• 20-unit lakefront motel with 2.25 acres
• Currently listed at $1,050,000
• Deferred maintenance property with high vacancy, ideal for conversion
• Backs onto scenic Lake Kathryn with redevelopment potential

Why Lake Katherine Motel?

• Tangible and accessible property already on the market
• Provides immediate visual appeal and credibility for donors
• Located near essential services and public transit
• Represents a symbolic ‘bridge’ between crisis and stability

Sustainability and Life Skills Development

The Soulful Bridge will use the acreage behind the Lake Katherine Motel to build a greenhouse and establish a small hen house. Residents in transitional housing will participate in gardening and animal care as part of a daily and weekly routine. This hands-on program builds sustainable living skills such as:
• Growing herbs and vegetables in raised beds or containers
• Caring for chickens and collecting eggs
• Understanding basic composting and soil maintenance
• Learning how to grow food indoors or on patios — ideal for future apartment living
These skills are not just therapeutic; they are transferable. Residents will leave with the confidence to grow their own food, save money, and nourish themselves and their families in their next home.

Funding Strategy & Budget Overview

• Purchase Price: $1,050,000
• Renovation & Code Compliance: $300,000–$500,000
• Onsite Infrastructure & Staffing (first year): $250,000
• Legal, permits, insurance: $75,000
• Greenhouse & Hen House Materials: $25,000–$40,000
• Total Project Cost Estimate: $1.75M–$1.95M

Funding will be sought from a combination of:
• Private donations and grassroots crowdfunding
• City grants and ARPA (American Rescue Plan) funds
• State-level SHIP and HOME dollars
• Faith-based foundation support
• In-kind construction labor and donated building materials

The Soulful Bridge Transitional Housing Model

• Weekly Rent Target: $100–$150 per resident
• Services included: private rooms, shared kitchen, on-site laundry, trauma-informed case management
• Clients commit to a 30–180 day progress plan
• Referrals through shelters, churches, and hospitals
• Letters of Intent (LOIs) issued to residents to support long-term housing applications

Next Steps & Call to Action

This is not a dream. It's a strategy. With the Lake Katherine Motel already listed and our infrastructure taking shape, we are actively seeking donors, investors, and city partners who believe in the right to housing. Join us in turning this plan into a bridge — a Soulful Bridge — from survival to stability.