Rebuild Bay County Unveils First Transitional Home in Panama City

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (

WMBB

) – Rebuild Bay County is a long-term disaster recovery group that was established following Hurricane Michael.

On Thursday, team members inaugurated their initial transition facility aimed at offering short-term shelter for those affected by disasters.

The aim is for the home to bridge the gap for Bay County residents during a transitional phase.

Rebuild Bay will provide up to six months of shelter for individuals and families actively working to secure permanent housing or repair an uninhabitable home.

At 900 East 9th Court in Panama City, stands a newly built home designed to aid community members facing hardships.

Over the last two years, Habitat for Humanity has constructed this three-bedroom, two-bathroom residence designed to accommodate up to three people or an entire family.

After tornadoes hit Bay County last year on January 9, Rebuild Bay saw a need for more transitional housing.

“We have quite a few people in Panama City, in Bay County, that are working every day and just will experience something where they may have a death in the family that just puts their permanent housing situation at risk. And they may need just a little bit more time to kind of stabilize that position or get back into a permanent housing situation,” Rebuild Bay County Executive Director Donna Pilson said.

The temporary home will help eliminate the barriers for individuals who are trying to recover from disaster.

“If you’re juggling many responsibilities, like worrying about bills, insurance, or various concerns, having a space where you feel welcome, protected from the elements, and secure can help alleviate some stress. This environment enables individuals to gather themselves and progress towards taking the next steps,” Pilson noted.

The dwelling is intended for individuals who have recently faced a disaster and intend to relocate soon.

We aren’t excluding the homeless population. To clarify, they aren’t our primary focus for this specific program,” Pilson stated. “Ideally, participants in this program should have a plan.

Rebuilding Bay is collaborating with the Panama City Rescue Mission to establish an emergency shelter for the homeless community.

In order to reside in the home, individuals must be residents of Bay County, currently employed, and demonstrate a verifiable necessity. Additionally, they are required to pay a program fee ranging from $500 to $750.

Rebuilding Bay will start accepting applications soon. Individuals chosen can commence their move-in process starting from June 1st.

To apply, go to the A.D. Harris Learning Village or contact their office at (850) 481-1357.