My friend is recovering from her third stroke. Friend wrote corporate safety manuals to reduce accidents. Sadly, she cannot read or write since her latest stroke.
Friend also lost most of her speech. She needs years of speech therapy. Meanwhile, her iPhone reads text messages to her. But replies are difficult.
Friend wanted to live in Pinellas County — near the beach.
This is how I found a subsidized apartment in Pinellas County for her.
Show Me the Beach!
I drove her around Tampa, St. Petersburg, Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach.
Finally, she said, “Show me the beach!” She cannot drink alcohol or read a menu. But she enjoyed an alcohol-free Pina Colada at a bar on St. Pete beach.
After her drink, she said,
“How do I move here? Please help me find a subsidized apartment.”
Subsidized Apartments in Pinellas County: Guide to Housing Options
It’s tough to find subsidized housing in Pinellas County, especially for people who need extra help because of their age or disability.
This guide will help you figure out what options are out there and how to apply.
Everyone deserves a living space that is safe and within their budget.
Current State of Subsidized Housing in Pinellas County
Pinellas County has about one million residents, according to the 2020 census. Pinellas County needs more affordable housing.
The Pinellas County Housing Authority (PCHA) manages over 1,000 units of public and affordable housing. But only 110 beds are available for subsidized assisted living.
Searching for Subsidized Apartments in Pinellas County
I discovered waiting lists using online searches and local resources.
Sadly, the demand exceeds the supply. Here are some cities within Pinellas County with subsidized housing:
Please click on the links above for specific information on housing choices in these areas.
Housing Options and Waitlists
In order to guarantee housing, organizations usually place individuals on waiting lists. Unfortunately, these lists are closed in Pinellas County.
I updated this article on September 9, 2024. Here are some key points:
Pinellas County Housing Authority : There are no open waiting lists for subsidized housing. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program is also closed.
St. Petersburg Housing Authority: Offers housing assistance to low-income individuals and families. Residents contribute about 30% of their income towards rent. All waiting lists in Saint Petersburg are currently closed.
How to Apply for Housing
Despite the closed waiting lists, you can still prepare by understanding how to apply when they do open:
- Visit the PCHA Website: You can apply for waiting lists electronically, check your status, and also find additional information here.
- Housing Choice Voucher Program: For those with a voucher looking for available units, visit this page. For new applicants, you can create a "RentCafe" account to manage your applications here.
Understanding Section 8 Housing Vouchers
The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a critical federal initiative for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled. It allows participants to find their housing, whether single-family homes, townhouses, or apartments, that meet minimum health and safety standards. More about this program can be found here.
Eligibility: Eligibility is determined by the total annual gross income and family size. It is limited to US citizens and certain non-citizens with eligible immigration status. Generally, a family's income may not exceed 50% of the median income for the area. Learn more about eligibility here.
Requesting Help
Navigating these resources can be confusing, especially for seniors or those with disabilities. It's okay to ask for help and not feel embarrassed about any confusion you might encounter. For more specific help or if you're unsure about the types of services you qualify for, contact PCHA:
- Phone: 727.443.7684
- Fax: 727.443.6894
- TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf): 800.955.8770
- TTY (Text Telephone): 800.955.8771
- Contact PCHA Online
I wrote this guide to help others by sharing my own experiences in helping a dear friend navigate these challenges.
Don’t forget, it’s okay to ask for help. Please review the resources in this article and use them!
Viridian Apartments for 62+
Viridian Apartments in Saint Petersburg are affordable and newly renovated.
Excellent Location
Viridian apartments are located on a bus route, relatively close to the public beach.
Planned activities are included! And you never have to evacuate during a hurricane!
Section 8 wait list is open. Learn more about Viridian apartments.
Affordable Housing in Clearwater Florida
Clearwater Housing Authority has several subsidized housing programs.
Search Clearwater Housing Authority properties for a subsidized apartment.
Affordable Housing in Palm Harbor
Are you over 62? Heritage Oaks of Palm Harbor has 94 one bedroom apartments with amenities for elderly people.
It looks nice! Apartments have low counters for residents in wheelchairs. Residents meet in a community room and have movie nights. My friend is on their waiting list. Alas, their waiting list vanished before I published this article.
The waiting list for this location is closed due to excessive wait times and we are not currently accepting new applications.
Emergency Housing in Pinellas County
Life is full of heartbreak and despair. Additionally, waiting lists are depressing.
Tampa Bay Cares is the only organization I found that provides emergency housing.
Good Luck!
Pinellas County has many beautiful parks and beaches. But Pinellas County has few subsidized apartments. Nevertheless, I hope you find one.
My friend moved to Pinellas County on September 1, 2023.