In a move to further address the housing crisis, the city of St. Petersburg celebrated the opening of Whispering Pines Apartments, a new affordable housing complex. The unveiling event marked the addition of 20 apartments designated for those in need, specifically aiming to support individuals and families struggling with homelessness and special needs.

The development of Whispering Pines was a group effort, with Boley Centers Inc. taking the lead. According to a St. Petersburg city release, the facilities are designed to be permanently supportive housing, with 80% of the units set to be reserved for people who have once experienced homelessness. The criteria for eligibility include earning less than 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI), and to significantly provide housing with one to three-bedroom options catering to various family sizes.

St. Pete Mayor Kenneth T. Welch praised the cooperative effort, saying, "The Whispering Pines Apartments development is a great example of a public-private collaboration that is helping to create housing opportunities for all." He emphasized the importance of inclusivity and the shared vision in his Housing Opportunities For All Pillar For Progress.

Funding for Whispering Pines was sourced through multiple channels, including a $910,000 contribution from the City of St. Petersburg. The Housing Finance Authority of Pinellas County played a crucial role, establishing a land trust to secure the development's location for the foreseeable future. This move will ensure the Whispering Pines site remains dedicated to affordable housing under Pinellas Affordable Living, Inc. for 99 years.

Additional backers of the Whispering Pines project include the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, Pinellas County, its Housing Finance Authority, the St. Petersburg Housing Authority, and the Boley Angels, signaling a robust backing for community-driven initiatives aimed at overcoming the challenges of affordable housing access.