HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – As rent prices skyrocket, affordable housing officials are working twice as hard to find creative solutions.

The latest are a block of homes, which are now all rented below market price to residents who make 80% or less of the median income.

The opportunity comes after Hillsborough County awarded $1 million in grant money to Cove Behavioral Health, which rehabbed these buildings to become living spaces.

Now people like Briana Mack are unlocking the door to new opportunities.

“I went from homeless – and how I have a home – me and my son. I’m just so blessed,” said Mack.

For two years, they were in and out of shelters.

Briana worked 11 hour shifts at the Oldsmar Walmart to stay afloat, but still, some nights were spent sleeping in the car. 

“I couldn’t go to mom's, family. So, I just went to the shelter,” said Mack.

But now, that all changes.

Briana is one of 10 families that now calls these duplexes on 43rd Street in Tampa home.

It’s the latest effort by the county to create affordable homes for families in need.

It’s been years since Briana has had her own room, let alone an entire house that is newly equipped with interior and exterior improvements.

It’s the perfect spot for Briana to raise her family.

“I have to do it for my son. He motivates me every day,” said Mack.

It’s still hard for her to believe it’s real.

In two weeks, Briana will graduate as a CNA. Her son is in school. Things are finally looking up.

“Blessed. Grateful I thank God every day when I wake up. I’m blessed,” said Mack.

Because with that door open, the possibilities are endless.

All ten units are already occupied by families who had no other option for permanent housing.