NAPLES - Here is the good news during all the bad news of our economy. Thanks to the vision and flexibility of Collier County and the generosity of local businesses — too many to mention, see www.homenaples.org — Housing Opportunities Made for Everyone (H.O.M.E.) Inc. will realize its first year goal to purchase and renovate 13 homes for sale to first-time home buyers who make a difference to our community.

As of this date, H.O.M.E. Inc. has three certificates of occupancy and nine formerly foreclosed houses are in various stages of rehabilitation in Golden Gate City, Golden Gate Estates and Avalon in East Naples.

In 10 months, H.O.M.E. is proud to have proven that we have a public- private partnership model that works. H.O.M.E.’s success is due to creative thinking government employees like Marcy Krumbine, director of Collier County Housing and Human Services, who adapted existing county, state and federal programs to react to the foreclosure issue in Collier County. Krumbine recognized that foreclosed homes could become affordable homes when renovated using Florida’s State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program. She is a champion for having the vision to recognize how Collier County could better serve the community and attract and retain important workers who serve our population: teachers, firefighters, police officers, health industry personnel. Trying to keep good people who are doing a good job in our community is the fundamental reason that H.O.M.E. Inc. was founded.

Click HERE to read Mr. Barlow's full article in the Naples Daily News, April 12, 2009.