Jacksonville, FL (August 7, 2013) — Shannon Nazworth, Executive Director of Ability Housing of Northeast Florida, has been re-elected as the chair of the Florida Council on Homelessness. The announcement was made by Department of Children and Families. The Council on Homelessness was created in 2001 to develop policies and make recommendations to reduce homelessness in Florida. Ms. Nazworth’s previous term as chair began in 2011.
“I’m honored that the members of the Council believe in my leadership for this organization,” said Nazworth. “We have made important strides regarding homelessness through our work developing state policy and shepherding resources that support a continuum of care.”
The Council estimates that as of January, 2013 there were 45,364 homeless individuals in Florida including 2,594 in Jacksonville. Their 2013 Report on Homelessness focused on four priorities the state should focus on to continue reducing homelessness. (http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/homelessness/docs/2012CouncilReport.pdf)
Nazworth has over 15 years’ experience in the development of affordable housing. She has led Ability Housing since 2004 with the mission to provide decent affordable rental housing for the homeless, those at risk of homelessness and adults with a disability. During her tenure the organization has purchased and renovated the Mayfair Village Apartments, Renaissance Village Apartments and Oakland Terrace Apartments.