Volunteers of America of Florida broke ground November 5 with a new affordable project on 5th Avenue South. The project will bring 50 new affordable mixed-use housing units to the market and is aimed at low-income earners.
“After the pandemic, affordable housing became even more complicated to build because of inflation and the cost, higher construction costs,” said Janet Stringfellow, president and CEO of Volunteers of America of Florida. “But we were able to master these challenges thanks to our community partners.” Stringfellow says there are currently 2,400 people in St. Petersburg who need an apartment without calling home. And the problem keeps getting worse. As the development of affordable housing projects is becoming more and more expensive, wages are stagnating and housing and rental prices rise by 20-30%, the demand is growing faster than affordable housing can become available.
To learn more: Groundbreaking on 50 Affordable Homes in St. Pete
source: SPID Nov/Dec Newsletter
The Innovation District and six partners were recently selected to help grow startups that are working on technology/data solutions for the ocean economy. This powerful collaboration is made possible thanks to $13.9 million awarded by the NOAA Ocean Enterprise Accelerators program.
Kudos to Lauren Bell, the Innovation District's Hub Community Manager, for her acceptance into the Leadership St. Pete Class of 2025. Lauren is a rock star at the Innovation District.
Are you like me? Give me a physical map and I get excited! Maybe its a carryover from the pre-GPS days, but I think it is such a fun way to explore an area.