Tampa has now opened the doors of Casa Bel Mar, an affordable housing development aiming to serve the city's low-income residents. The 100-unit complex on S. Manhattan Avenue, a collective effort between municipal authorities, the Tampa Housing Authority, and private developers, began welcoming tenants this week, with a selection of one and two-bedroom apartments catered to individuals and small families facing financial challenges.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor emphasized the city's commitment to its residents amid the housing affordability crisis. "Our greatest fear is for the backbone of our city, our workforce, our Tampa natives who have built this city over generations, to be priced out," she said, according to the City of Tampa's official press release. The project is designed to benefit those earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income, approximately $53,500 for Hillsborough County. It offers financial relief where rents, will range from $895 to $1400 a month, and tenants will not spend more than 30% of their income on housing.

Painting a picture of the current market, Housing, and Community Development Director Jeff McKittrick shared startling statistics in the city's press release. "The housing price statistics are unsettling," he said, "Since Pre-COVID, housing prices have soared by 60 percent. The median price of a home in 2019 was $263,000. Today, it's $425,000." Casa Bel Mar stands as a tangible response from the city to tackle these issues head-on, as per the City of Tampa.

Out of the 100 units, a tenth is allocated for those transitioning from temporary housing facilities such as Tampa Hope cottages, with five units available through direct referral from the city's outreach team. In a significant financial move, the City of Tampa has channeled $2 million of Federal HOME Funds into the development, ensuring the affordability of these apartments for the next three decades.