HOPE COTTAGES UNVEILED
Tampa Hope is enhancing its sheltering services for people experiencing homelessness with the addition of 100 new, freestanding structures known as Hope Cottages™.
Over the past week, crews have been assembling the new living spaces, which will expand Tampa Hope's capacity and provide a unique sheltering option for clients while they receive services. Catholic Charities launched Tampa Hope in December 2021 with 100 tents. Twenty-five were later added. The addition of the cottages will increase its capacity to a total of 225 beds.
"Tampa Hope is making a real difference helping people get back on their feet, and these cottages are a very welcome addition," said Mayor Jane Castor. "Our partnership with Catholic Charities reflects our commitment to addressing homelessness in a holistic way and we believe the addition of the Hope Cottages will be vital in further uplifting this vulnerable population."
The 64 square foot cottages will provide a bed, air conditioning and heating system, smoke detector, fire extinguisher, power outlets, shelving, windows, and storage space. Additionally, the cottages can resist up to category 5 hurricane force winds.
"We are pleased with the progress made to date by the staff of Tampa Hope and their City of Tampa counterparts in moving homeless men and women to permanent housing," said Bishop Gregory Parkes. "We know there is much work to be done and look forward to meeting that challenge head-on."
Of the 100 cottages, 75 were funded by the City of Tampa. Each one is approximately $10,000.
Installation of the electrical system and power station for the cottages and other future facilities at the site is expected to be completed by Fall 2023.
"Tampa Hope has had an impact in helping address homelessness in the City of Tampa, and with continued hard work and our partnership with the City, we look forward to placing hundreds more individuals into their own homes," said Maggie Rogers, executive director of Catholic Charities.
Since its launch in 2021, Tampa Hope has provided shelter to more than 640 individuals.
- 30% have been discharged to permanent housing.
- 11% have gained employment during their stay.
- 70% are males.
- 87 days is the average length of stay.
Community members who want to join the effort and make a difference can do so by visiting the website or texting "tampahope" to 91999.
Click the button below to view B-ROLL of the assembly of the Hope Cottages, as well as a time-lapse video of a cottage being built from the ground up. Media outlets are welcome to use the video with a courtesy to the City of Tampa.
Click here to view B-ROLL of the assembly of the Hope Cottages