Tampa Republic

NEW HOUSING TEAM SUPPORTS RENTERS 

In an ongoing effort to tackle the affordable housing crisis, the City of Tampa is proud to introduce a new service dedicated to assisting residents, specifically renters, who need access to resources and fast results when facing housing issues.

With support from the Tampa City Council, the City of Tampa's Housing and Community Development Department has been laying the foundation for its new Tenant Services Team. The branch is comprised of two employees who serve as a resource guide for renters in the city limits.

"Whether they are having trouble finding a unit within their budget, landlords who are willing to accept tenants with a prior eviction, or need to ask a housing related question, but do not know who to turn to, residents are encouraged to reach out to our new Tenant Services Team," said Mayor Jane Castor. "Serving as the frontlines, this new team is providing valuable guidance, insight, and more importantly, solutions."  

Additionally, the team has absorbed the Housing Information Line, which was launched in summer 2022, in record time, following overwhelming public feedback for more support as the effects of the affordable housing crisis began to set in. Over the first six months, call takers answered more than 2,300 calls, with call volume at its highest during the first few months of its activation. Since then, call volume has decreased significantly. Since its transition to the Tenant Services Team on Monday, July 17, 2023, a total of 51 people called the Housing Information Line during the first week.

"We are helping people you may not think are struggling, including some of our very own, who work alongside us," said Kayon Henderson, Director of Housing and Community Development. "While most callers inquire about rental assistance, and we unfortunately, do not have any more city funds to distribute this fiscal year, we can help in other ways and provide other equally valuable resources."

To reach the Tenant Services Team, residents can dial the same number as the Housing Information Line: (813) 307-5555. The line will be open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

Original source can be found here.