New affordable housing for seniors at Hogan Creek Towers

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — There are now new options for affordable housing in Jacksonville.

Today was the grand opening of the newly renovated Hogan Creek Towers.

Action News Jax was there for the ribbon cutting and according to The Jacksonville Housing Authority, the renovation benefits local seniors.

Hogan Creek Towers has been around town since 1975. Today a $19 million renovation finished up and it’s all here to help seniors who need affordable housing.

“Girl, I love my apartment,” says Charleen Mixon.

I met up with one of the seniors, Ms. Charleen Mixon. She says Hogan Creek Towers has changed for the better.

“It was drug infested, prostitutes in and out but now I live here, and the rooms are so nice,” says Charleen Mixon.

Years ago, Ms. Mixon was attacked in Hogan Creeks parking lot.

“What was that like and what happened? oh, I got a finger shot off, being robbed for $16,” says Charleen Mixon.

But now she feels safe.

“The security, it’s well lit, there’s always somebody watching the monitors,” says Charleen Mixon.

This was all made possible by The Jacksonville Housing Authority. As well as Rental Assistance and Demonstration and The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Together they’ve renovated 183 units with 10 units made to accommodate seniors with special needs and another 4 for those that are visually impaired.

The new renovations included new kitchens, plumbing, bathrooms and windows. One cool feature I liked is that the one-bedroom apartments had two closets and 2 full bathrooms.

The President and CEO of JHA explain why affordable housing is needed and why it’s hard to get.

“The cost. Outside investors are coming into Jacksonville by the boatload so it’s a need for low-income housing,” says Dwayne Alexander.

Seniors aren’t the only ones struggling to pay rent or a mortgage in Jax. According to rent café, the average monthly rent price for a 967 square foot 1 bed 1 bath in the city is $1,530.

“We have a section 8 program and a public housing program,” says Dwayne Alexander.

To put things into perspective of how expensive it is to rent in Jax, look at me. I rent a 949 square foot 1 bed 1 bath apartment for $1,830 a month. My mom owns a 1,710 square foot 4 bed 2.5 bath home for $1,800 a month.

Now the good thing about seniors living in Hogan Creek Towers is that their income doesn’t matter. If you or someone you know thinks Hogan creek Towers would be a good fit, then head on over to Jacksonville’s Housing Authority.

Make sure to bring proof of your income, social security card and your I.D. President and CEO Dwayne Alexander tell me the approval process can last anywhere between 8 and 12 months.

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