6 unit transitional housing complex nearing completion in Clermont

CLERMONT, Fla. — Staff at New Beginnings of Central Florida in Clermont are working on move-in ready transitional housing, called New Beginnings Village.

Community Relations Manager Jeremy Elliott said staff will connect residents with services as part of their Helping Hands program.

He said there has been an 18% increase in the number of families in Lake County who are experiencing homelessness for the first time in the past year.

“They can really focus on serving themselves — working on their things that are going to create longevity, but also savings and financial literacy,” Elliott said.

The housing is conveniently located at the back of the property, next to the thrift shop.

Elliott said the goal is to create a safe space in each of their six homes. Each unit is 670 square feet and has two bedrooms, one bathroom, a kitchen, living space, and an in-unit washer and dryer.

He told Spectrum News it costs the nonprofit about $22,000 per family, but families do not pay anything as they participate in the program, which can last between six and nine months.

“You’ve got to want it to be here, because it’s strenuous everyday doing that coursework, really working on yourself,” Elliott said. “It’s a rapid program so that we are able to get you into affordable housing, which is the next step, and open the door for the next family.”

Elliott said construction is expected to wrap up next month. The total project has cost $1.4 million and was supported by multiple partners, who provided funding and donations to furnish the homes.

The mission is close to his heart, as Elliott went through the program himself.

“Being able to come back and walk and see someone else go through that process is emphatically the best gift I could ever see,” said Elliott.

Applications are not live yet. Staff plan to open them closer to the construction completion date in October.

Eligibility criteria:

• Must be 18 or older
• We serve single women, single mothers, and families (must be married)
• Children ages 5-12 must be in school (no virtual)
• Cannot have severe psychiatric issues that would contraindicate communal living with other residents and young children in a residential setting
• Cannot be taking any controlled medications-prescribed or not
• Must have a minimum of 6 months abstinence from substance abuse and /or be directly transferred/referred from another residential program
• Must be willing and physically able to work 40 hours weekly, as this is a work therapy program
• Willing and able to complete Life Skills Training Curriculum
• Must be willing to attend church weekly and actively participate in Bible Study and Discipleship Program
• No active warrants
• No criminal history of murder, arson, battery, and sexual offenses (Level II)