ST PETERSBURG, FL - St. Vincent de Paul CARES (SVDP CARES) and Ability Housing, operating as a joint venture called Ability SVDP, announce $28,036,782 in funding from the State of Florida to build 73 units of affordable housing in downtown St. Petersburg. Adjacent to SVDP CARES' Center of Hope shelter, "Vincentian Villages" will serve individuals and families earning 60% or less of the area median income. Fifty percent of the units will be reserved for those exiting homelessness, including at least 5% given to homeless Veterans. Additionally, a minimum of 15% of total units will be rented to households that require special support, including those with disabilities or requiring independent living services.
"We firmly believe that housing is the only solution to homelessness," said SVDP CARES CEO, Michael Raposa. “This project means an immediate end to the trauma of homelessness for more than 75 men and women living on the streets of St. Petersburg. The property upon which this project is being built was once the center of the homelessness crisis in our city, and this project transforms a problem, to finally, a solution."
The development's intended residents will have access to individualized and community-based support services, including opportunities to participate in peer support programs to foster inclusion in the community. The site was selected to ensure residents have access to public transportation, primary and behavioral healthcare, and employment hubs; training in basic daily living skills; and assistance with improving employability. These needs of the residents will inform the site and building design, intake policies, support services elements and property management operations.
Construction will begin in 2023. Ability Housing, a nonprofit affordable housing developer with operations across Florida, will use its experience and expertise to oversee development of the property; both nonprofits will work collaboratively to create a unique housing opportunity for some of the community's most vulnerable and at-risk households.
“Ability Housing's mission is to build strong communities where everyone has a home, and we're grateful for the opportunity to fulfill that mission through this joint venture with St. Vincent de Paul CARES," said Shannon Nazworth, President and CEO of Ability Housing. “This development will leverage the strengths of both of our organizations to bring support to St. Petersburg residents who deserve the dignity that comes with having a stable home they can afford."
On-site support services staff will be provided by SVdP CARES, who has been providing services to those in need since 2003 when the agency opened a $5 million facility for Veterans, those experiencing homelessness and those with low and extremely low-income. SVdP CARES has provided supportive housing to those who are homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless since 2012.
About St. Vincent de Paul CARES: St. Vincent de Paul CARES is a non-profit organization committed to ending homelessness: making it rare, brief, and one-time. SVDP CARES works to rapidly house those experiencing homelessness within 30 days, while concurrently connecting them to stabilization support services to assist in additional needs. SVdP CARES has an 80% success rate of permanently ending homelessness of those that come into our care. For more information, visit www.SVDP.CARE, like the organization on Facebook and Instagram and follow on Twitter.
About Ability Housing: Ability Housing is an industry-leading not-for-profit multifamily rental housing developer dedicated to creating high-quality affordable housing. We invest in communities through properties that enhance their surrounding neighborhoods, improve each community's quality of life, and connect residents with a network of voluntary support services. For more information, visit www.AbilityHousing.org, like the organization on Facebook and follow on Twitter.