RIVERVIEW, Fla. — Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church of Riverview held a groundbreaking ceremony for 75 units of affordable housing for seniors called Zion Village.
The Rev. Karen Jackson-Sims began developing the idea five years ago after seeing homeless sleep on church grounds.
“We had individuals that were homeless come to the church and ask permission to sleep under our awning,” she said.
That request planted the seed for Zion Village. Those making between 30% and 70% of the area median income can qualify.
“What we are now calling affordable housing, 20 to 25 years ago, we would’ve called upper-income, luxury housing prices. Social security and other means of retirement is not stretching far enough,” said Jackson-Sims.
The Tampa Housing Authority says that there are currently 14,000 people on a waitlist for affordable housing.
They hope this new project will address the needs of seniors.
“The need for affordable housing in our community is very scarce. Coming together to make this happen is very valuable for our community,” said David Iloanya, the Director of Real Estate Development.
The size of each one-bedroom apartment is 650 sq ft. All apartments will have LVT flooring, Energy Star appliances, washer/dryer in the unit and granite countertops. Amenities include a fitness center, library, movie room, media center, clubroom, gathering areas, outdoor pavilion and seating.
Sixty of the 75 units at Zion Village will be paid for with vouchers dedicated by the Tampa Housing Authority.
Jackson-Sims says the $$33.5 million project was made possible with partners (Tampa Housing Authority, Smith & Henzy Affordable Group and Adonai's Second Chances, Inc.) that had a collective vision.
1. Hillsborough County - $6.8 MM SHIP/HOPE funds
2. HFA of Hillsborough - $20 MM bond
3. Bank of America - $20 MM construction loan
4. Bank of America - $13.7 MM equity tax credits
5. Berkadia - $10 MM permanent loan
6. Miscellaneous – bond revenues, deferred developer fee
“It means that the church is yet alive and that the church is doing what it was designed to do. That is to be our brother's and sister’s keeper,” she said.
She says in order for more projects like this to come online — it truly takes a village.
Zion Village is set to open by the end of 2025. Seniors 62 and above are eligible to qualify.
