Rising rent prices cause housing crisis in Osceola County
Osceola County has experienced significant growth over the past decade, but with that growth comes some serious issues, particularly in housing.
Vilma Aponte is just one of many who are struggling to keep up with rent prices.
She had to move into a small room with just a fridge, microwave, bathroom, and bed in Kissimmee after her rent increased by $200, which she could not afford due to a back injury.
The rise in rent and housing in general is causing a crisis in the county, particularly for the larger senior population.
However, the problem is hurting anyone who is insecure in their housing.
The U.S.
Congressman for the district, Darren Soto, is securing federal dollars for low-income housing, including $5.7 million for a project in Buena Ventura Lakes and $1.75 million for the Hope Center to create a hotel/motel conversion and another housing project.
There are even tax incentives for builders to create affordable single-family homes, but developers are not taking advantage of them.
However, it will take creative solutions, including public-private partnerships like those with Disney and Universal, to continue to work on this complex issue.
Transportation options and state money are also issues that need to be addressed.
People can apply for Section 8 assistance, but the wait can be long.
Soto is working to expand SunRail and Brightline so people can live further away from downtown and commute to work from more affordable places to live.
