Initiatives

Overview of Florida SPECS
Transforming Lives One Child, One Family, and One Community at a Time

Florida Superior Properties Economic Community Services, Inc. (Florida SPECS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming lives by focusing on one child, one family, and one community at a time. They aim to provide decent, safe, affordable housing options for low and moderate income individuals and families and enhance overall community well-being.

Affordable Housing Initiatives:

Florida SPECS develops, sponsors, and owns affordable housing units in select Florida counties, including Seminole, Orange, Volusia, Lake and Osceola, Polk, Brevard, Leon, Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Duval. Through its efforts, Florida SPECS expands opportunities for individuals and families to access affordable housing through ownership of rental arrangements.

Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO):

At a Community Housing Development Organization, Florida SPECS provides various services, including development, real estate, and property management. They also actively seek community revitalization and development funds to further their mission of providing affordable housing options.

Economic Empowerment:

Florida SPECS extends its impact beyond housing by supporting the development of locally owned or operated businesses in economically disadvantaged areas. They assist residents and groups in acquiring entrepreneurial and management skills necessary for successful business operations, thereby contributing to economic empowerment within communities.

Charitable and Educational Services:

Operating exclusively for charitable, educational, and Community Housing Development purposes, Florida SPECS partners with and sponsors youth associations. These partnerships promote holistic child development, encompassing mind, body, and soul. By collaborating with youth associations, Florida SPECS expands its mission beyond housing to include initiatives that foster the healthy development of individuals and communities.

Family Services:

Florida SPECS offers various family support services, including counseling, education, childcare, healthcare, legal aid, advocacy, recreation, and empowerment programs. These services are designed to strengthen family bonds, enhance well-being, and address challenges such as domestic violence, substance abuse, homelessness, and mental health issues.

Children Services:

For children, Florida SPECS provides educational support, childcare, healthcare, nutrition assistance, recreational activities, arts and cultural programs, mentoring, safety services, and advocacy. These comprehensive services aim to ensure children have access to opportunities for academic success, personal growth, physical health, emotional well-being, and overall positive development.

Florida SPECS is dedicated to making a meaningful impact by addressing the diverse needs of individuals, families, and communities across Florida. They focus on providing affordable housing and supporting holistic development for children and families. Through their multifaceted approach, they strive to transform lives and build stronger, more vibrant communities.

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Meet the Founder

RT Hillery is the Chief Executive Officer who has devoted his life to service others. Inspired by his father, RL Hillery, DD, and founder of Victory Temple of God, Inc. in Sanford FL, he has over 20 years of experience working with the government and the cities of Sanford and Winter Springs. During this time, RT has successfully built public-private partnerships and accomplished major projects that fueled economic development for his community.

RT's notable achievements include providing new constructions and substantial rehabilitation of multi-family rental units and single family housing with homebuyer assistance programs. He managed the City of Kissimmee NSP Programs and increased responsibilities to include new construction and rehab projects. RT also obtained, managed, and rehabbed houses in Seminole, Osceola, Orange, Volusia and Leon Counties.

Additionally, he developed Sanford Lofts, a multi-story mixed use project offering affordable housing for seniors and retail space. RT collaborated with Harvest Time International to develop and market a Regional Solution for the Homeless Project, including architectural design and planning. He leveraged public-private experience to obtain support from al seven cities in Seminole County and beyond for the Regional Solution.

RT also coordinated organizations and volunteers for events that attracted as many as 75,000 visitors. He was part of the Management Team that planned, developed, and marketed the City of Sanford's $20 million renovation of the Historic Stadium, Chase Park, LAD Pool, Riverwalk and 1st Street landscape projects.

Furthermore, in January 2004, RT founded RLH Consulting and Management. Economic development and helping nonprofits have always been his passions; therefore, he founded Florida SPECS Inc., a nonprofit HUD-Certified Community Development Organization(CHDO). In January 2008, RT began his journey as the Chief Executive Officer with a mission to transform lives on child, one family, and one community at a time through developing safe and affordable housing for low-to-moderate income people. He remains as dedicated and passionate as ever towards this noble goal.