Diocese of Venice, National Development Break Ground on 80-Unit Affordable Housing in Immokalee

Groundbreaking Held for Affordable Housing in Immokalee

Immokalee, FL – A groundbreaking ceremony for the Casa San Juan Diego Affordable Housing Multifamily Development took place on March 16, 2026, in Immokalee, marking a significant step toward addressing the scarcity of safe, affordable housing in the rural farming community.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane presided over the ceremony for the thoughtfully planned garden-style apartment community. Located on land adjacent to Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, the development will feature 80 modern residences, offering a balanced mix of 40 spacious three-bedroom and 40 comfortable two-bedroom units.

The Diocese of Venice partnered with National Development of America, Inc. (NDA) on the project, with support from the Collier County Human Services Division and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Dignitaries present included Father Teofilo Ramirez Moreno, CS, Pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, and Father David Vidal, Pastor of nearby Ave Maria Parish. Collier County officials, including County Commissioner William L. McDaniel Jr. and Christie Bettencourt of the Immokalee Community Redevelopment Agency, also attended.

Bishop Dewane explained the community’s name, referencing the sacred connection between St. Juan Diego and his visions of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the namesake of the neighboring Parish Church. He emphasized the Diocese's commitment to providing a safe place for families, stating, “The Diocese is building this community because we want to offer a safe place for families to live that recognizes a certain human dignity possessed by every person. We each know what it all meant to us to have a safe and secure home growing up. The Diocese is trying to make a difference here. Housing is an important issue throughout Immokalee and other communities. By creating this housing, families with children will stay together.”

During the blessing, Bishop Dewane added, “The work we do here will continue to build up the Lord’s Kingdom. May the Lord bless all who will occupy this housing.” Fathers Ramirez Moreno and Vidal assisted in the blessing of the property.

John Raymond of NDA highlighted the multi-year process to bring the project to fruition and praised the ongoing partnership with the Diocese. He described the future apartments as “class A, yet affordable apartments creating a foundation for children and families to thrive.” Commissioner McDaniel commended Bishop Dewane for his commitment to the project, expressing pride in being part of such a beneficial endeavor for Immokalee.

Each apartment is designed with contemporary finishes, including granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and private balconies. Residents will also have access to community amenities such as an outdoor recreation area and a clubhouse. Casa San Juan Diego is estimated to be completed by May 2027. While specific monthly rates are not yet set, they are expected to be approximately half of the market rate for Immokalee. Application information will be released closer to the project's completion.

This development is the latest in a series of joint projects between the Diocese and NDA, which include Casa San Juan Bosco I & II and St. John Paul II Villas in Arcadia, St. Peter Claver Place in Fort Myers, Lee County, Casa San Alfonso in Zolfo Springs, and San Pedro at Meadow Park in Arcadia. Another affordable housing project is currently in development for Bowling Green.