IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area | AMR at Pensacola, Inc

15 Oct AMR at Pensacola, Inc

Posted at 16:39h in 2020, Family, Nonprofits by artdesigngirl@icloud.com

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AMR at Pensacola, Inc.

The Phoenix Project - Tiny Home Communities

Grant Year: 2020 | Focus Area: Family | Grant Amount: $106,000 | Grant Status: Complete

AMR is currently expanding operations through “The Phoenix Project”, which includes the development and management of tiny home communities throughout Escambia County. The Phoenix Project is a sustainable housing solution for individuals and families in Escambia County who are financially, socially, and/or institutionally disadvantaged. The program assists those who do not traditionally meet the requirements for affordable housing options in Escambia County by creating safe, comfortable solutions at a lower price point. The idea is to develop a community that includes strategic designs with a shared community center and on-site healthcare, social, and workforce development services. AMR plans to pioneer the mission of increasing access to affordable housing with an environment that is sustainable, innovative, and eco-friendly. Upon completion, The Phoenix Project will include a total of 168 tiny homes throughout Escambia County. The pilot community will include a total of 12 homes and the community center to be shared amongst other AMR residents within the Myrtle Grove area. AMR is requesting IMPACT 100 grant funding support for the construction and labor costs of the community center (the “Center”) at The Phoenix Project at Lillian Highway.

Project Description

IMPACT 100 grant funds will be used to implement a family engagement program for Escambia County families of prekindergarten age children. It will provide books and literacy-based tips and tools to families and their young children. The result will be students who will have a greater opportunity to be ready for kindergarten and future academic success. Research shows that a predictor of how likely a child is to graduate on time from high school can be traced back to their earlier education achievements, including scores from 3rd grade reading – successes linked back to initial kindergarten readiness. Funds will also be allocated to partially fund a dedicated family engagement coordinator to enroll and coach families, and capture and report data and outcomes. The project also includes staff training, and the purchase and maintenance of a database that will track students and families and allow ECARE to leverage donors. ECARE will also invest in infrastructure to both coach and incentivize families to participate. ECARE will hold family engagement events, and provide activity kits to include books, curriculum, and a text service for regular communications. A marketing campaign will be developed to create awareness, recruit volunteers, and provide sustainability for ECARE. Surveys will be conducted to measure outcomes.

Community Impact

The health and welfare of Escambia County and the strength of the economy hinges on an adequate supply of affordable housing and access to support for working families, elders, veterans, people with disabilities and those living on a fixed income. The impact of the Phoenix Project will be the addition of a safe, affordable housing community for low-income families within Escambia County, allowing them to improve their quality of life. Shared spaces and communal resources within the Center will decrease costs and increase access to amenities for residents. The resources within the Center will foster an inclusive and engaged community and facilitate an accessible system of support. Engagement within a community with a common social goal can foster improved interpersonal relationships and help promote peer support and empathy among these families, which benefits the greater community. The Center will be available for other AMR residents to utilize for appointment-based wraparound services and social gatherings. The Center is expected to impact approximately 50 families per year and will serve as the blueprint for future communities.