Housing authority seeking $20 million to rebuild Massalina public housing after Hurricane Michael destroyed complex

Dec. 05--PANAMA CITY -- With more than 50 percent of the public housing stock destroyed by Hurricane Michael, the Housing Authority applied Tuesday to secure government funding to rebuild one of its communities.

The Housing Authority is asking for $20 million under Florida Housing Finance Corporation to rebuild Massalina Memorial Homes.

"This is the first step toward new affordable housing in the city," said Housing Authority Director Teri Henry. "We're hoping this will be a cornerstone of new housing in Panama City."

The plan has been endorsed by the Panama City Commission which pledged a $354,000 loan to the housing authority during a special meeting Monday night contingent on the grant money being awarded.

Henry estimated that with the city's support, the housing authority has a 1-in-12 shot of winning the grant money.

If the housing authority doesn't get the money, "we don't give up," Henry said. "We start working on our applications for next year."

Immediately following the storm, it became clear that housing was going to be a widespread problem that the housing authority was not immune from. Henry said within days of the storm, conversations began about how to rebuild, as it was clear the units were not habitable.

The silver lining, officials said, is that the old complexes were dated. The units in Massalina, for example, do not have washer and dryer hookups, a feature the new units would have if rebuilt.

"They're going to have residents services, a community center, and be brought up the current standard," Henry said.

The plan is to build 109 units, according to documents.

In the meantime, HUD has provided housing vouchers for displaced Massalina residents to allow them to find suitable apartments either locally or elsewhere in the Southeast. HUD Director Ben Carson helped secure the additional vouchers after his visit to the area.

"It was important to receive the national attention," Henry said. "Dr. Carson was instrumental in securing the housing vouchers for the residents of Massalina."

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