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Now, Coker is the proud owner of a brand-new home provided through county assistance programs, which are aimed at helping residents who are living in similar situations.
Through the Escambia County Neighborhood and Human Services Department’s Housing Demo and Replacement Programs, deteriorating houses are demolished and replaced with brand-new houses for income-eligible residents in need.
“It is an honor to be able to help residents like Ms. Coker have a better quality of life through our county assistance programs,” District 2 Commissioner Mike Kohler said. “A new home is truly lifechanging, and I hope this provides Ms. Coker with a fresh start and a safe, secure place to call her own.”
Coker was joined by county staff and Commissioner Kohler to celebrate her official move-in day on Wednesday, July 17, when she received the keys to her new home.
After years of dealing with roof issues, water damage, and more, Coker became even more overwhelmed after her husband passed away in 2011. In 2020, Hurricane Sally damage finally forced Coker to move out of her house and live with family for her safety.
“Things just weren’t maintained the way they should have been, and it was really dilapidated,” Coker said. “The roof was the main thing, because he put a new roof on it shortly after we got married back in the mid-80s, and the guy that did it didn’t do things properly – and it just progressed from that.”
Without assistance from the county, Coker said she would not have been able to make the repairs or replace her house on her own.
“It wouldn’t have been possible,” she said. “The house would’ve had to be torn down anyway, and I’d probably have to rent an apartment – which now that I’m retired, I can’t see it being possible with the way rental prices are nowadays. I’m feeling grateful, very grateful and very blessed.”
Coker said she’s looking forward to having her own space again, especially since she’ll be able to host her family when they come visit from out of state.
“It’s just hard to put into words,” Coker said. “It’s a big burden relieved. Everything is going to change now.”
Additional assistance may be available for income-eligible homeowners in Escambia County. Limited funding is available, but eligible residents in need of assistance are encouraged to reach out for more details. For information about eligibility requirements and assistance programs for Escambia County homeowners, please contact the Neighborhood Enterprise Division at ned@myescambia.com or 850-595-1642.
Escambia County District 2 resident Emma Coker celebrates her new home with Commissioner Mike Kohler and county staff.
Escambia County District 2 resident Emma Coker with the key to her new home, provided through county assistance programs.
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