Four affordable apartment communities supported by Orange County's Affordable Housing Trust Fund have opened this year, adding 542 apartment homes. The communities are Whispering Oaks with 192 units, Barnett Villas with 156 units, and Residences at Emerald Villas with 90 units, all in Pine Hills, along with Enclave at Canopy Park with 104 units in Holden Heights. The county's Board of County Commissioners established the trust fund in 2020 with a $160 million investment over its first decade, and voters approved a charter amendment in 2024 making it permanent.
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said the fund is helping seniors, working families and essential employees find quality, affordable housing. Mitchell Glasser, manager of the county's Housing and Community Development Division, said years of work to increase the supply of affordable housing are now producing results in significant numbers. In the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metropolitan area, approximately 61% of renters and 40% of all households are considered cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing and utilities.
The developments offer amenities such as fitness centers, walking trails, technology labs, energy-efficient appliances, public art and community gathering spaces. Sharon Donawa, who retired after nearly four decades at a theme park job and spent nearly a year staying with her sister, applied to Barnett Villas and was approved the next day. She said she loves living there and has formed lasting friendships with neighbors. Information about the county's Housing for All initiative is available at www.ocfl.net/housingforall.
Press release issued by Orange County Government Newsroom:
https://newsroom.ocfl.net/2026/08/a-place-to-call-home-affordable-housing-trust-fund-opens-542-new-apartment-homes/
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