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Collier Community Foundation Invests $200,000 in the Housing Alliance Initiatives

  • Writer: Trista Meister
    Trista Meister
  • Apr 29
  • 2 min read


Eileen Connolly, Kesler Michael Puchalla, and Lindsey Touchette
Eileen Connolly, Kesler Michael Puchalla, and Lindsey Touchette

The Housing Alliance, a new non-profit organization formed to provide information, education and advocacy for accessing and developing attainable housing solutions in Collier County, announced it has been awarded a $200,000 grant from the Collier Community Foundation (CCF) to fund operations in 2025. The funds will be used to expand office space in Naples and Immokalee, enhance reporting and fundraising capabilities, and continue and expand the scope of work of The Housing Alliance.


CCF has been leading the way to improve housing affordability after it commissioned the Collier County Community Needs Assessment, sponsored by the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation and CCF, in 2023 and it showed that 65% of respondents cited affordable and workforce housing as the county’s number one priority, up from 45% five years earlier. As a result, CCF has made housing affordability a top priority for its funding initiatives and played a key role in advocating for the creation of The Housing Alliance because they recognized the need to unite key stakeholders and community members to form a housing hub for information, education, and resources surrounding workforce housing in Collier County.


“Housing is a fundamental human need, and everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home. The challenges we face in addressing housing are immense—too large for any one person or organization to solve alone. By bringing community leaders together, we foster collaboration and ensure everyone takes on the part they can contribute,” said Eileen Connolly-Keesler, President & CEO of the Collier Community Foundation. “The Housing Alliance is a shining example of this collective effort, driving real progress in tackling the affordable housing crisis in our community. Together, we are transforming lives and building a stronger future for everyone.”


About Collier Community Foundation

Celebrating 40 years of empowering local philanthropy, the Collier Community Foundation® is a trusted, tax-exempt, public charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the community through impactful giving. Established in 1985, the foundation manages over 900 donor funds, collaborates with hundreds of nonprofits, and has awarded over $362 million in grants and scholarships to support vital programs and initiatives. By connecting generosity with community needs, the Collier Community Foundation drives informed giving and delivers powerful results. To learn more, visit colliercf.org or call 239.649.5000.





About The Housing Alliance

The Housing Alliance is a private, non-profit organization that serves as the hub in Collier County to bring together aspiring homeowners, renters, property developers, local government, funders, donors, and the community-at-large. It is envisioned to become the “go to” resource for housing in Collier County with a focus on workforce, lower income, and senior housing. Through structured coordination and collaboration, The Housing Alliance works with private and public partners with the goal to make much needed housing in Collier County a reality. Through a formal affiliation agreement, The Alliance will amplify and support the services provided by HELP which includes the housing navigator program and HUD-certified financial counseling and homebuyer education, as well as the Collier County Community Land Trust which provides land acquisition and partnership opportunities for affordable housing developments. Funding for the Alliance is provided by the Collier Community Foundation, Collier County Community and Human Services Division and private donations. To learn more, visit the TheHousingAlliance.org, or call 239.434.2397 ext. 205.

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