A 32-year-old Kim Fogle said that she wanted to make a difference in her life once she retired from a nationwide company. A sermon from her pastor then inspired her to move forward with her plan. 

'Home for Good'

According to Click Orlando, Fogle established a nonprofit called Central Florida Home For Good. She told the news outlet that she used her 401(k) savings to build affordable housing units for people in Sanford. 

As reported, Fogle used to work as a volunteer for various organizations that helped the homeless. 

She explained that there is one consistent problem in the city—housing. Many of the people she served said that a chunk of their income goes to rent each month. Most of her clients also told her they had "almost nothing after." 

Be Part of Solution

She told Click Orlando that her son pointed out that she "was not allowed to complain unless she wanted to be part of the solution." 

That Sunday, she said that her pastor's words encouraged her to become the solution to the problem. According to Fogle, the church leader's words were "simple but profound." 

Her pastor said that people "sitting on the sidelines cannot solve the whole problem, but they can do what they can with what they have." 

The faith leader's words reportedly fueled her to start her nonprofit. 

Investing in Others

She said that she had a 401k that she could use for herself. Instead, Fogle decided to invest it in others. 

The nonprofit founder admitted that the entire process was not easy. 

When she started, she realized that she did not have experience with the building process. There were also issues in shortages with construction supplies because of the pandemic. 

Fogle said that there were "good days and bad days." She added that when she felt like giving up, she would think of why she started the nonprofit in the first place. 

She shared that the entire process was challenging, but not being able to afford housing is even more challenging. 

 "I think they deserve a chance," Fogle said. 

Fruits of Labor

Home for Good's 850 square feet two-bedroom, one-bath apartments is currently under construction near downtown Sanford.

Fogle told reporters that she was happy to see the results of her investment. She said the average worker could now afford to pay for the housing units. 

Fogle also plans to call the apartment complex Sanford Courtyard. As reported, the three buildings are now taking shape after years of construction. 

Shannon Young, the Seminole County Housing Authority executive director, said such housing projects are rare. 

Young admitted that she was impressed when she heard Fogle's story. 

"We do not hear those stories often," she said.

Opening by December

Fogle hoped to open the apartments for renters by December. She already had a waiting list. 

So far, she has received donations and grant money. Contractors also offered their services at cost. 

Fogle said that rent would be around $925 a month. 

Homelessness in Central Florida

According to the Coalition for the Homeless in Central Florida, more than 2,000 homeless men, women, and children spent the night in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties in 2018.

The report further said that a lack of affordable housing is one of the factors of homelessness. 

As per the National Low Income Housing Coalition, a minimum U.S. wage worker earns $8.65 each hour. 

On the other hand, a "fair market rent" for a one-bedroom apartment costs $1,049 every month. 

To be able to afford rent, the average worker has to work 93 hours each week. 

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