Sarasota County staff seeking online responses through March 20
Sarasota County residents and members of community organizations are being invited to participate in a housing and community development survey offered by the Sarasota County Housing Enhancement and Redevelopment Office (HERO), county staff announced this week.
“The survey is available online through March 20,” a news release points out.
“Survey responses will help shape the county’s five-year consolidated plan, which outlines strategies to support very low- to moderate-income residents, strengthen neighborhoods, and address the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness and those with special needs.,” the release explains. “The plan will guide how federal funds are allocated, prioritizing affordable housing, homelessness prevention and social services,” it notes.
County residents also may provide comments in person at upcoming public meetings, as shown below, the release says:
- Tuesday, March 3, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library, which stands at 4143 Woodmere Park Blvd. in Venice.
- Thursday, March 5, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library, which is located at 2801 Newtown Blvd. in Sarasota.
“Community input is essential to ensuring our programs reflect the needs of Sarasota County residents,” said Steve Hyatt, division manager in the county’s Program Management Division, in the release. “This survey helps us understand what’s most important to the community so we can make decisions that help people and strengthen our neighborhoods,” he added in the release.
“Funding for priorities identified in the consolidated plan is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Community Development Block Grant, Emergency Solutions Grant and HOME Investment Partnerships programs, the release explains. “The consolidated plan was created by HUD to help local governments plan for housing and community needs and receive federal funding to support those priorities,” it adds.
“The Housing Enhancement and Redevelopment Office (HERO) is Sarasota County’s dedicated office for administering local, state and federal funding that supports community development, housing and homelessness prevention,” the release points out. To learn more about HERO, visit herosrq.net, call 941-861-5336 or email HEROComments@scgov.net.