OCALA, FL (352today.com) -Marion County Community Services was recently presented with the Innovation award from the Florida Association of County Human Service Administrators (FACSHA). The Innovation Award is given to counties who create innovative programs and resources to help and assist those who need it most in their communities. Marion County received the award for the creation of the Emergency Housing Replacement Program.
Marion County’s Emergency Housing Replacement Program was created by the County Commission in 2022. The inspiration behind the program was Mr. Dave Damron (a.k.a. Super Dave), a long-time resident of Ft. McCoy and an employee of the Marion County Public Schools for nearly 35 years. Mr. Damron lost his home due to a structure fire in 2021 just after the passing of his wife.
The program is designed to help homeowners like Mr. Damron who have experienced major damage to their home, making the structure unsafe to live in.
“Helping Mr. Damron and others within our community is the purpose of Marion County Community Services”, indicated Cheryl Martin, Director of Marion County Community Services. “We are excited and overjoyed that “Super Dave” received a new home that will help to start a rebuild in his life.
We believe this program will help many others within Marion County and we are honored to receive this award from FACSHA.”
For more information about Marion County Community Services or the Emergency Replacement Program please visit MarionFL.org/CommunityServices