TAMPA - Following Governor Ron DeSantis' recent legislation prohibiting the homeless from sleeping in most public spaces, Tampa HOPE Village has introduced nearly 100 tiny homes to address the escalating issue of homelessness.

"The situation is dire," stated Lou Ricardo, Director of Marketing for the Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg. "With the rising cost of living, dwindling affordable housing options, and increasing unemployment, more people are finding themselves without a home."

To combat this, Tampa HOPE Village launched its 64 sq ft HOPE Cottages on April 8, which marked a significant transition from the 124 tents previously used at the site. The new setup can now accommodate 234 individuals.

"Some are hesitant to leave the streets for a structured environment with electricity and windows," Ricardo mentioned. "We engage in detailed consultations with them to ensure they're prepared for this transition."

For Maria Rivera-Hernandez and Alfred Rice, moving into a HOPE Cottage has been transformative. After living in a tent on-site for seven months and previously on the streets, the change has been significant. "I suffer from osteopenia, a type of arthritis, and getting up from the floor was incredibly challenging," Rivera-Hernandez explained. "This experience has made me look forward to having a home again."

Rice shared her sentiments, "I feel reborn, like a completely new person."

The village not only provides shelter but also offers comprehensive services and amenities. "This is a community effort. We have medical professionals from USF Street Medicine providing care, our housing specialists helping secure longer-term housing, and partnerships that tackle mental health and substance abuse," Ricardo said. The inclusion of showers and laundry facilities also significantly enhances the living conditions for the residents.

This expansion comes at a crucial time, just after the passage of HB1365 by Governor DeSantis, which limits the public spaces where homeless people can sleep. Although the initiative receives no state funding, it is supported by the City of Tampa, with Mayor Castor and Chief Bennett allocating $750,000 annually to Tampa HOPE.