Veteran Housing Punta Gorda Project Brings Hope and Homes for Local Heroes

August 12th, 2025

Introduction: Veteran Housing Punta Gorda’s Transformative Impact

In Punta Gorda, something deeply meaningful is taking shape. The Veteran Housing Punta Gorda initiative is more than a construction project — it’s a promise to those who have worn the uniform. Led by Peace River Community Housing Partners (PORCH), the Villas on Scott development will provide three veteran families with safe, affordable homes in a community where they can put down roots.

Construction began earlier this year, and by early 2026, the triplex will stand ready to welcome its first residents. For these families, it’s more than walls and a roof. It’s a new beginning in a place that values their service and wants them to thrive. In a housing market where affordability often feels out of reach, this project delivers real solutions at a time when Charlotte County urgently needs them.

Why Veteran Housing Matters in Charlotte County

Charlotte County is home to a proud and active veteran community. Veterans make up about 10% of the local population, a higher share than in many other parts of Florida. Yet even here, finding housing can be a challenge. Rising rents, increased home prices, and limited inventory push many veterans — particularly those with disabilities or fixed incomes — into precarious living situations.

National statistics from PORCH reveal that 23% of the veteran population across the country is unhoused. That’s nearly one in four veterans without a stable place to live. When you connect that to the 10% veteran share in Charlotte County, you see why local solutions matter so much. Addressing this need is not simply about charity; it’s about maintaining the health, dignity, and stability of a community that benefits from veterans’ leadership, skills, and service.

The Villas on Scott: A New Chapter for Local Veterans

Set in a prime location on Scott Street near Lavilla Road, the Villas on Scott project blends practicality with purpose. Just minutes from downtown Punta Gorda and close to Interstate 75, the triplex will give residents easy access to grocery stores, medical centers, and local employers. The area’s walkable environment will allow veterans to participate in community life without the constant strain of long commutes.

Each unit is a thoughtfully designed two-bedroom home, offering the space and privacy families need while keeping operating costs low. The development’s scale may be modest, but its impact will be anything but. For the three families who will move in, it’s the start of a new chapter — one that comes with a stable address, supportive neighbors, and a sense of belonging.

Peace River Community Housing Partners (PORCH) Leading the Way

PORCH is no stranger to tackling housing challenges. As a nonprofit and Community Land Trust, its mission goes beyond building new homes — it’s about ensuring long-term affordability. By retaining ownership of the land, PORCH can keep rental prices within reach for future generations, breaking the cycle of rising housing costs that often displaces low- and moderate-income residents.

The organization has already made its mark in Charlotte County by acquiring and renovating existing properties to expand affordable rental options. For the Villas on Scott, PORCH combined its experience in property management with a clear vision for serving veterans. The result is a project that doesn’t just meet housing needs — it preserves affordability and stability for decades to come.

Affordable, Sustainable Living for Veteran Families

Affordability is at the core of this project’s design. Rent for each unit will be set at no more than 30% of a tenant’s income, following national best practices for housing stability. This approach ensures that veterans won’t have to choose between paying rent and covering essentials like food, healthcare, and transportation.

The homes are also built with sustainability in mind. Modern construction methods and materials will help reduce utility costs, while access to city water and sewer will ensure long-term reliability and safety. For families accustomed to living with uncertainty, these features offer a sense of security that can be life-changing.

Infrastructure Improvements That Protect the Environment

This isn’t just a housing project — it’s also a major infrastructure upgrade. The development replaces outdated septic systems with connections to Punta Gorda’s municipal water and sewer system. For a coastal high hazard zone like this, the benefits are twofold: improved public health and reduced environmental risk.

Septic systems in flood-prone areas can fail during storms, releasing contaminants into local waterways. By making the switch to sewer service, PORCH and its partners are safeguarding the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor, both critical natural resources for the region’s tourism, fishing, and recreation industries. The utility extension was made possible through the Charlotte HOME application process, with funding approved by the Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners via the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

Funding Partnerships Making the Vision Possible

The Villas on Scott stands as a testament to what collaboration can achieve. Funding has come from a diverse mix of partners: Charlotte County Human Services, the Peter & Elsa Soderberg Foundation, the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Mosaic, and individual donors. The city of Punta Gorda contributed essential support, ensuring the infrastructure work could move forward smoothly.

This kind of partnership model doesn’t just raise funds — it builds community investment. When public agencies, private donors, and nonprofits join forces, they create projects with a broader base of support and a stronger chance of long-term success.

Charlotte County’s Affordable Housing Shortfall

The numbers are stark. Charlotte County needs more than 10,000 new housing units this year alone to meet population growth. Of those, over 5,500 should be affordable for households earning less than 80% of the area median income. Without intervention, the shortage will continue to strain working families, seniors, and veterans.

Projects like the Villas on Scott are essential steps toward closing that gap. They may not solve the problem overnight, but they demonstrate scalable models that other organizations can replicate. The key is persistence — and ensuring that affordability remains part of the equation in future developments.

How the Community Can Support This Project

As of August 6, PORCH has nearly reached its $1.06 million fundraising goal, but there’s still a small gap to close. Donations can be made online or mailed to Peace River Community Housing Partners at 21500 Gibralter Drive, Port Charlotte, FL 33952.

Community members can also contribute by volunteering their time, spreading the word, or advocating for policies that promote affordable housing. Every effort, big or small, strengthens the safety net for veterans and ensures projects like this can continue.

Long-Term Benefits for Veterans and the County

Stable housing does more than meet basic needs. It improves mental and physical health, increases job stability, and fosters stronger community connections. For Charlotte County, investing in veteran housing means creating a more resilient local economy, reducing homelessness, and reinforcing its reputation as a veteran-friendly community.

As the Villas on Scott prepares to open its doors in 2026, the ripple effects will be felt well beyond its three units. These homes represent a model of what’s possible when vision meets action, and when a community decides that no veteran should be left without a place to call home.

Conclusion: Building a Future of Dignity for Veterans

The Veteran Housing Punta Gorda project is proof that targeted, well-planned housing initiatives can change lives. By combining nonprofit leadership, government support, environmental stewardship, and community generosity, Charlotte County is taking concrete steps toward solving its affordable housing crisis.

It’s a future built on dignity, stability, and gratitude — values that will serve the entire community for generations to come.

Original reporting by Gulfshore Business: Veteran housing project aims to help Punta Gorda veterans

FAQs

What is the Veteran Housing Punta Gorda project?
It’s a triplex in Punta Gorda that will provide affordable, stable housing for three veteran families.

When will the Villas on Scott be completed?
The units are expected to be move-in ready by early 2026.

Who is leading the project?
Peace River Community Housing Partners (PORCH), a nonprofit and Community Land Trust.

How much will rent be?
Rent is capped at 30% of a tenant’s income.

Why is the infrastructure work important?
It replaces septic systems in a flood-prone area with sewer connections, protecting public health and the environment.

How can I contribute?
Donations can be made online or mailed directly to PORCH’s Port Charlotte office.