Courageously Serving Our Brothers & Sisters

We believe that we serve Christ by serving others. Therefore…

• We will establish 8 – 10 new locations of affordable housing facilities for families and/or singles throughout the Diocese by the end of 2021.

• Goal Update Hernando County: In January of 2019, the Diocese of St. Petersburg purchased a motel in Brooksville to convert the space into 12 efficiency units of affordable housing for low-income veterans. In addition to the purchase price of $350,000, the Diocese invested $200,000 to rehabilitate the property to make it clean, safe and comfortable for the occupants, many of whom were homeless. The property is called St. Teresa Apartments. 
• Goal Update Citrus County: St. Benedict in Crystal River, an 18-unit apartment building is under construction. We expect to open in December, 2022.  Article: County Backs Diocesan Housing Project in Citrus
• Goal Update Hillsborough County:
  • Bella Vista Apartments opened in December 2019 and serves 55 residents with 16 apartments of affordable housing. 
  • Mercy Oaks Apartments was completed and blessed by Bishop Parkes on September 15, 2022. Click here to read the article. 
  • Las Villas dedication was held on June 22, 2022. This complex features 12 units of affordable housing for homeless individuals for up to one year.  We are seeking rezoning approval to add an additional 30-50 units.: https://gulfcoastcatholic.org/catholic-charities-open-new-affordable-housing-ruskin
  • We completed the purchase of a 47-unit Tampa property, La Tierra Verde, in February 2021. It was renovated and is 100% occupied. 
  • Video about Hillsborough Hope. 
• Goal Update Pasco County:
  • We have converted Bethany family apartments in Pasco County into affordable housing that features 12 two-bedroom, one-bath units.
  • St. Vincent de Paul CARES opened Ozanam Village II in New Port Richey in November of 2020.
  • St. Vincent de Paul CARES opened Ozanam Village III in New Port Richey on May 25, 2021. 
• Goal Update Pinellas County: Most Holy Name of Jesus Apartments next to Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in St. Petersburg is under consideration.
• Goal Update: Close to 30 individuals with experience in affordable housing gathered at the Pastoral Center of the Diocese of St. Petersburg on August 14, 2018 to discuss how to address an important community need – housing for low-income, working families and individuals. “We believe every person has the right to a decent place to live and a safe place to live,” said Bishop Gregory Parkes. “We as a Church believe we can make a difference.” The meeting was the first-ever “Bishop’s Community Forum on Affordable Housing” and it was the first step in achieving one of the goals set forth by the new mutually shared vision of the Diocese, Courageously Living the Gospel.