More families move into new affordable housing in Immokalee

We're all living in one room, and that's why I applied for this house. Today, another Collier County family got a gift they have been dreaming about. A new, bigger home. NBC2's Alexa Velez is in Immokalee speaking with that very thankful family. Today marks a new chapter for several families in Immokalee as they move into their brand new apartments. Now, we're inside one unit, which is a 2-1, and something really nice and interesting is that all the furniture you see, the tables, the couches, the chairs, they've all been donated for these families to use. From living in one room with his wife and three kids... Oh, my God! ...Gene Santana and his family are getting a fresh start for the new year in their brand new apartment. His daughter, Kesley, is excited to have her own room to play in. This place is wonderful! Gene applied to the Immokalee Fair Housing Program, and after months of waiting, he was approved. Today, I'm very proud. Me and my family will be able to live together in a separate room. But before, we're still living in one room, and there's not any privacy. So today, I'm very glad, and I thank God. These apartments are very affordable, with rent starting at $775 per month, adjusted based on income, and capped at 30% of the household's earnings. They're also built to last with impact windows, Julie Borden with the Alliance says the housing plan began after Hurricane Irma's 2017 devastation. You know, over 40% of the population here is under the poverty line, and they're living in these horrible, horrible conditions, not with just their own family. There could be 12 or more people living in there that are not related, in conditions that nobody should live in. When complete, the complex will include eight buildings, the second and third set to be up, hopefully, by next year. Thanks to the Naples First Presbyterian Church, each apartment is furnished. Parents get a comfortable couch, kids get a new playground, and soon, a soccer field. This is a gift from God, from Christmas. We are not living comfortable, because we're all living in one room, and that's why I pray for this house. I say, I don't need God, I don't need nothing for Christmas, just give me the house, the apartment to live with my family. Reporting in Immokalee, I'm Alexa Velez, NBC2.