Addressing the Affordable Housing Crisis in Hillsborough County
TAMPA, Fla. – Nearly 100 religious leaders and residents from Hillsborough Organization for Advancement and Equality (HOPE) gathered outside the county center on Monday to advocate for the preservation of a $10 million affordable housing fund in the annual budget. HOPE Co-Chair Dr. Sheila Simmons Tribble highlighted the severity of the housing affordability crisis in Hillsborough County, with residents facing a significant cost burden as over 50% of their income is spent on housing.
Rally for HOPE Fund Preservation
The group’s efforts led to the establishment of the HOPE Fund in 2019, aiming to create an affordable housing trust fund to address the pressing housing needs of the community. However, in a party-line vote last year, $8 million of the $10 million HOPE Fund budget was redirected towards infrastructure projects, leaving a gap in funding for affordable housing initiatives.
Challenges and Controversies
During a recent budget meeting for fiscal year 2025, Commissioner Joshua Wostal proposed eliminating the entire $10 million HOPE Fund, a motion supported by Commissioners Christine Miller and Donna Cameron Cepeda. Despite this, the motion failed to pass, raising concerns among HOPE leaders about the lack of support for affordable housing initiatives.
Wostal defended his position by arguing that affordable housing is already subsidized through state programs, such as the State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP). However, HOPE leaders emphasized the unique role of the HOPE Fund in targeting low- and very-low-income households, filling a critical gap that state programs may not address.
Advocating for Community Engagement
As the debate over the $10 million affordable housing fund continues, HOPE leaders are urging community members to participate in upcoming budget public hearings on September 12 and 19. By voicing their support for the preservation of the HOPE Fund, residents can contribute to ongoing efforts to address the housing affordability crisis in Hillsborough County.
