FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dave’s House and CASL Launch Development Partnership, Select HomeAid Orlando as Building Partner for Affordable Supportive Housing Community in Central Florida

Innovative model delivers a first-of-its-kind residential community in Sanford, doubling local housing inventory for adults with disabilities amid national housing challenges

 

SANFORD, FL – September 18, 2025 – Dave’s House has united with Community Assisted & Supported Living (CASL), Inc. and HomeAid Orlando to develop Dave’s House at Celery Community, a first-of-its-kind residential campus in Seminole County. The unique expertise and resources of CASL as the co-developer and operational partner, and HomeAid Orlando as the design and building partner enables Dave’s House to innovatively expand its residential portfolio of affordable, supportive housing with wraparound behavioral health services for adults with disabilities, including serious mental illness.

The new community, located in Sanford on a five acre parcel at the intersection of Celery Ave. and Brisson Ave. generously donated by Family of Friends, Inc., will feature 16 one-, two-, and three-bedroom duplex homes for up to 30 total residents, a 3,500-square-foot community center for workshops and connection, on-site case management, peer support, coordinated health services, and access to transportation, job readiness programs, and holistic wellness activities. A $1M grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, one of the largest grants in Dave’s House history, ignited the support of the project and continues to inspire donor engagement in the mission.

Voices of Collaboration and Impact

“Dave’s House values strong partnerships to expand both housing and the specialized services our residents need,” said Ellen O’Connor, CEO of Dave’s House. “Partnering with CASL and HomeAid Orlando enables us to bring this much-needed community to Seminole County, doubling our capacity to provide stable, supportive homes where lives can truly be fulfilled.”

“CASL has spent decades creating more than 100 affordable and supportive housing developments across Florida,” said Scott Eller, CEO of CASL. “By combining our statewide expertise with Dave’s House’s local leadership and HomeAid Orlando’s building talent, we’re meeting a critical need and creating a foundation for long-term growth.”

“HomeAid Orlando’s mission is to help end homelessness by leveraging the talent and resources of the homebuilding industry,” said Russ Beymer, Executive Director of HomeAid Orlando. “This project is a perfect alignment of that mission—together, we are building safe, stable homes that will change lives for decades to come.”

Doubling Impact

Since YEAR, Dave’s House has partnered to develop nine single-family permanent supportive homes across three markets, working with multiple behavioral health service providers. Six of the homes, owned and managed by Aspire Health Partners, were created in partnership with Dave’s House in Orange County to provide stable housing and on-site behavioral health services for residents. This single-home model has provided safe, supportive housing for more than 100 residents, fostering long-term recovery, independence, and community connection. The new Sanford project introduces a new community housing model, more than doubling the  Dave’s House portfolio capacity to 53 residents annually. The innovative expansion of the proven Dave’s House model ushers in a new chapter of the organization’s mission to help individuals rebuild their lives through housing stability and wraparound support.

 “Everyone should have the opportunity for quality, affordable housing regardless of their circumstances. Dave's House will fill an important and unique need within our community with the construction of 16 housing units along with amenities and access to continuing support. We look forward to having Dave's House in Sanford.” City of Sanford Mayor, Art Woodruff

Why This Project Matters

  • To residents: Moves individuals from isolation and instability to safety, dignity, and community.

  • To the community: Creates a sustainable, scalable solution to reduce homelessness and meet critical behavioral health needs.

  • To donors: Makes an urgently-needed impact on homelessness by fueling a lasting model of affordable and supportive housing, designed to be replicated across Florida.

Project Milestones

  • 2023: Family of Friends, Inc. donates 5-acre parcel of land in Sanford, providing the location for the new Dave’s House community.

  • 2024: Closing on the property, rezoning, and annexation completed; Dave’s House secures a $1 million Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta grant, one of the largest in its history.

  • 2025: Engineering and architectural design underway to bring the vision to life. CASL and HomeAid Orlando partnerships secured.

  • 2026: Groundbreaking and site preparation projected to officially launch construction.

  • 2027: Vertical construction projected to begin, with homes and the community center taking shape.

  • 2028: Projected community opening, welcoming the first residents to their new homes.

About the Partners

Dave’s House is a Central Florida-based nonprofit agency that provides affordable permanent supportive housing solutions for individuals living stably with serious mental illness (SMI) and co-occurring disabilities. Founded in 2008, the organization develops housing models that combine a solid foundation of stable housing and managed, wraparound mental health care provided by service partners. Today, it operates throughout the state of Florida. 

Community Assisted & Supported Living (CASL) is a nonprofit organization with over 25 years of experience in developing and managing affordable and supportive housing for individuals with disabilities and special needs. CASL works throughout Florida to provide safe, stable homes paired with comprehensive support services that help residents thrive. For more information, visit www.caslinc.org.

HomeAid Orlando is the Central Florida affiliate of a national nonprofit working to end homelessness by engaging the building industry to create and renovate housing facilities. Through partnerships with builders, suppliers, and service providers, HomeAid Orlando delivers high-quality housing solutions that strengthen communities and change lives. For more information, visit www.homeaidorlando.org.