Apartments For Low-Income Hillsborough Families Emerge From Dirt Lot

TAMPA, FL — As Hillsborough County struggles to meet the growing need for affordable housing, it has joined forces with Catholic Charities to create homes for 20 low-income families

The county and Catholic Charities unveiled a new 20-unit affordable housing complex in the Tampa Overlook neighborhood that features one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments available for rent at below-market rates this month on a piece of property.

Unlike many affordable housing projects, the Mercy Oaks apartments at 10017 N. Florida Ave. were constructed from the ground up on an undeveloped lot for the sole purpose of housing working families affordably.

In addition to fresh flooring, granite countertops and new appliances, the apartments provide a convenient location for residents. A HART bus stop (Route 1) is only a few steps from residents' front doors, giving them easy access to public transportation.

New resident Carrieann Edwards, who attended the ceremony, said she can't wait to move in.

"I'm happy because I've got my own stuff, and I can do whatever I want," she said.

Mercy Oaks was made possible through funding from Hillsborough County and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. The county provided a $2.4 million grant and Catholic Charities supplied the remaining $1.5 million.

Maggie Rogers, executive director of Catholic Charities, said these apartments are needed more than ever in Hillsborough County with housing prices still on the rise and an influx of residents moving to the area.

To address the continued housing crisis, Hillsborough County invested more than $54 million into the community in 2021, directly impacting more than 24,300 households.

The programs and services funded by the county focus on creating new affordable housing opportunities and funding infrastructure improvements that enhance surrounding communities.

The county also funds training for residents to further their careers so they can afford to buy their own homes.

In September, the Hillsborough County Commission approved up to $16.2 million American Rescue Plan funding for the acquisition and rehabilitation of a 96-unit multifamily rental property on Busch Boulevard.

Armature Place Apartments, 4131 E. Busch Blvd., has a land use restriction agreement, mortgage, and promissory note to ensure the units will be used as affordable rental housing for a minimum of 30 years.

The Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa Inc. will use the funding to acquire and rehabilitate the existing apartment complex to be rented at below-market rates to residents making 80 percent or less of the area median income. The contractor hopes to have the work completed by March 31, 2024.

The commission followed up this week, appropriating another $6.9 million from the American Rescue Plan to help the East Tampa Business & Civic Association acquire and rehabilitate 28 multifamily rental properties on East 140th Avenue and North 23rd Street in Tampa.

The county is also using American Rescue funds for down payment and rental assistance. For information, click here.

See related stories:

• $7M In Rescue Plan Funding Earmarked For Affordable Housing In Tampa
• Run-Down Ruskin Motel Transformed Into Affordable Apartments