As the founder of Abundant Life Ministries Hope House, Inc. and the Phoenix Community Services, Sandra Shank has a heart for those in need. Chairing the Flagler County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, among her many duties, she’s working closely with government officials as communities navigate the post-pandemic housing situation.
Talk about your role and term as Chair with the Flagler County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee in Flagler County. What did you accomplish during your term?
I am currently serving my 3rd term as Chair of the AHAC. In 2017 I was elected 2018 Vice-Chair however, after the resignation of the Chair in 2018 I became Chair and I has been re-elected for the successive years. My duties as Chair of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee are:
- To preside at all meetings of the Committee;
- To call special meetings of the Committee in accordance with the Bylaws;
- To sign documents within the purview and authority of the Committee; and
- To see that all actions of the Committee are properly taken.
My accomplishments during my terms as Chair include the following:
– Worked in collaboration with FPC-TV’s Ms. Hicks and her talented students, we created an Affordable Housing advocacy video.
– Advocated on behalf of the Sadowski Housing Trust Fund in Tallahassee
– Served on the Flagler County Housing Fair planning committee
– The AHAC worked in conjunction with County Administration to create the Flagler County Affordable Housing Ordinance
– Recognized by the Florida Housing Coalition for Sadowski State and Local Housing Trust Fund Advocacy at the 2019 Statewide Home Matters Conference.
– Brought awareness to the Real Estate professionals regarding the importance of the Sadowski Housing Trust fund.
– Presenter at the 2020 Florida Housing Conference
– Promote and inform the public via social media of local and statewide programs impacting housing stability and affordability.
Why is affordable housing and the related issues important to you?
I am a passionate advocate for affordable housing because, housing is a human right and no one should suffer homelessness due affordability. As a child growing up with a single mother in Miami I understand the impact of housing instability in the life of a child. If a child is constantly moving it impacts their academic performance; social and emotional growth and ability to form lasting friendships. For the single parent struggling to provide for their children, it leads to “latch-key” children who return from school alone without the support needed to simply be a kid. For the couple arguing over finances, it places the family at-risk of separation or divorce which leads to greater risk of engaging in at-risk behaviors. Affordable housing isn’t simply about placing a roof over someone’s head; it’s about saving lives; saving families; and living a quality of life that results in productive members of society.
With the CDC Moratorium on Evictions lifted on August 26, 2021, what’s happening across the region for those behind on their rent or mortgage payments?
“Our Florida” is Florida’s federally-funded emergency rental assistance relief program. This program provides rental and utility assistance in effort to respond to the crisis resulting from COVID-19. Relief through this funding opportunity can also be initiated by landlords in coordination with their tenants; I hope landlords will work with their tenants to seek relief from Our Florida prior to seeking eviction.
What kind of help is available for renters or owners?
Locally, homeowners and renters may contact Flagler County Services for emergency assistance (based upon funding availability) at 386-586-2324.
What other resources should or could families in crisis look toward or access to help prevent a mass wave of homelessness in Flagler County?
Flagler County Families in crisis may contact Shaniqua Bell, Housing Locator with the Volusia Flagler County Coalition for the Homeless at 386-457-3819 or sbell@vfcch.org. In addition, VFCCH is seeking landlords in the community who are willing to work with their program to provide housing to homeless individuals and families. There are many benefits of landlords working VFCCH such as, eliminating advertising costs, damager/security deposits, clients have access to time-limited subsidies and guaranteed rent payments.
Find out more here. 
