The City of Gainesville joins partners to support new affordable housing in SE Gainesville

Press release from City of Gainesville

GAINESVILLE, Fla. –The City of Gainesville will join partners at an official groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction of Jessie’s Village. Developed by the Hutchinson Foundation, the 22-unit rental apartment complex in southeast Gainesville represents a significant step toward expanding affordable housing options in the community. The event is free and open to the public.

When: 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11

Where: 215 SE 21st St.

The 22 one-story, garden-style apartments in Jessie’s Village will be designated for neighbors with household incomes no greater than 65 percent of the area median income (AMI) as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and adjusted for family size. In Gainesville, a family of four whose annual income does not exceed $61,945 may qualify; the income limit for a single applicant is $43,333.

“Jessie’s Village represents the kind of investment that strengthens our city,” said Gainesville Mayor Harvey L. Ward. “With a location convenient to downtown, Fred Cone Park and Library, the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County, and the new UF Health Urgent Care Center – Eastside, this project brings the housing options we need to support economic transformation in East Gainesville.”

The Hutchinson Foundation is a locally-owned nonprofit established by Kindrell Hutchinson, a Gainesville native whose work in property management and Alachua County Court Services fueled his passion for affordable housing solutions. Jessie’s Village is designed to provide rental options for neighbors who have faced challenges and roadblocks in searching for a home.

Increasing affordable housing opportunities, and revitalizing eastside neighborhoods with expanded housing, is a cornerstone of the City’s strategic plan. Gainesville City Commissioners have supported Jessie’s Village with housing grant allocations that include $280,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA); $97,000 from the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME); $47,000 from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG); and $87,700 from the ConnectFree Program to assist with the cost of utility connection.

Jessie’s Village is named after Mr. Hutchinson’s grandmother, in recognition of her work supporting the community.

“My grandmother taught me the true meaning of giving back to others,” said Mr. Hutchinson. “Now my goal is to help people in my hometown achieve economic stability through quality affordable housing.”

Jessie’s Village is located within the Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area (GCRA), a City of Gainesville department that supports affordable housing through initiatives that enhance neighborhood infrastructure and create sustainable, accessible homes. Additional partners working to support Jessie’s Village include the Gainesville Housing Authority and the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce.