New Smyrna Beach Housing Development Corporation

07/26/2026

07/19/2026

🥫 Volusia County's Community Assistance Division, in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, will distribute boxes of perishable and nonperishable food without charge to county residents at two upcoming events!

📅 10 a.m. to noon Monday, July 20, New Smyrna Beach Regional Library, 1001 S. Dixie Freeway
📅 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, July 25, City of DeLand parking lot at East Hubbard and South Alabama avenues. This giveaway will be held in conjunction with the city's annual Mayor's Backpack Giveaway and Community Health Initiative.

There are no income requirements, but participants must show proof of Volusia County residency, such as a driver's license or other government-issued identification.

The giveaways are funded through the Community Services Block Grant – Disaster Relief program. For more information, call 386-740-0808 or 386-736-5955.

Food boxes will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last.

07/11/2026

Housing affordability continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing Daytona Beach, and I am encouraged by the passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which is expected to become law after passing both chambers of Congress.

This morning, I received an email from a young mother who is facing eviction. Her message was heartfelt, and it served as another reminder that behind every housing statistic is a family experiencing real uncertainty. Stories like hers are why I remain hopeful whenever new tools and resources become available to help communities address housing affordability.

This legislation modernizes important federal housing programs and could create new opportunities for Daytona Beach. It allows communities to compete for new housing planning grants, access HUD’s Innovation Fund, expand rehabilitation of existing homes, support new construction, increase homeownership opportunities, strengthen community land trusts, and invest in other long term housing affordability strategies.

The bill also establishes a permanent federal framework for long term disaster recovery funding. For a community that regularly experiences hurricanes, this could create a more predictable process for receiving and administering federal housing assistance after future storms.

The legislation also includes new accountability measures and changes to future Community Development Block Grant funding. We will continue monitoring its implementation and position Daytona Beach to take advantage of every opportunity it provides.

Mayor Derrick L. Henry

07/04/2026

Happy and safe 4th. Remember where our freedom comes from.