TAMPA, Fla. — A new affordable housing complex is opening its doors in Tampa, making it the eigth new construction paid for through a partnership with Catholic Charities and Hillsborough County.

Mercy Oaks, located at 10017 N. Florida Ave in Tampa, is a 20-unit complex consisting of single and multi bedroom homes. Prospective residents must make below a certain level of income.

The new apartment building was constructed with $2.4 million from Hillsborough County and an additional $1.9 million from Catholic Charities. The complex sits at the site of a what was a temporary homeless shelter at the hight of the pandemic.

In 2019, Catholic Charities made the goal of creating 8-10 new affordable housing complexes in the greater Tampa Bay area. Some of the sites were converted existing buildings, while Mercy Oaks is a brand new construction. Initially, Catholic Charities hoped to have the project completed by the summer but supply chain hiccups slowed the process down. 

Finding land for these new apartments has been a challenge.

“Land is at a premium, not everyone want affordable housing near where they live,” said Lou Ricardo with Catholic Charities. “But you look at this and this is nice, but people don’t know that.”

The need for affordable housing keeps growing as the housing crisis pushes rent prices higher amid inflation.

“It can be anybody,” Ricardo said. “The underemployed. Income can’t keep up with exploding costs and people need help.”

A few units at Mercy Oaks are still available. Anyone interested in applying should contact Catholic Charities directly.

Apartments will open to new tenants in October.