Talbot House Ministries is currently accepting tenant applications for its soon-to-be-completed affordable housing project, the Vermont Place Apartments, located at 912 and 920 N. Vermont Ave. The application is available here. Paper applications are also available upon request at Talbot House’s main campus, 814 N. Kentucky Ave. Renovations of the properties will be completed in April, and the earliest move-in date for tenants will be April 15, 2021.
The Vermont Place Apartments offer 16 units of affordable housing to low and very low-income working adults, veterans, and the disabled. Each unit is a 350 sq. ft. studio apartment; two units will be ADA-compliant.
Income restrictions, based on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s standards, are defined as 60 percent or less than the area median income for the Lakeland-Winter Haven metropolitan statistical area. This means a single-person household earning $24,696 or a household of two earning $28,224 or less are eligible for these apartments.
Depending on the tenant’s unique circumstances, rent will range from approximately $300-$730 a month. Applicants will be evaluated competitively based on their criminal history, rental history, and other relevant qualifications. Individuals experiencing homelessness will be given priority. There is a no pet policy in place.
“Housing affords dignity and opportunity to those struggling to find a way forward,” says Dr. Brenda Reddout, Executive Director. “Our goal is to make housing available to those who may be turned away elsewhere due to income restrictions and other barriers.”
The 25 most qualified applicants will be considered for placement and subject to a background and credit check, as well as a $40 application fee. Once approved, tenants will be encouraged to use Talbot House’s case management, free clinic, employment and financial education programming, and other wraparound services which encourage their continued self-sufficiency.
A grand opening ceremony celebrating the completion of this historic project is being planned for April 14 at 5 p.m. More information will be announced at a later date.
This project is made possible through the generosity of the BB&T now Truist Foundation, City of Lakeland, Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, GiveWell Community Foundation, Harrell Family Charities, Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency, Polk County Board of County Commissioners, United Methodist Church of Lakeland, and multiple private donors.