NewsHillsborough County

Actions

Hillsborough County Commissioners approve affordable housing fund, some fear it's not enough

Covering Hillsborough County
Posted at 3:32 PM, Feb 05, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-05 17:45:51-05

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — With rent prices rising across the county, Hillsborough County Commissioners approved a plan to help most vulnerable people in our area.

However, some affordable housing advocates don't believe the plan will help people making $15 or less.

HILLSBOROUGH NEWS | The latest headlines from Hillsborough County

"I felt like it was Christmas day when they finally said yes we're gong to create this," said Char Lerch.

Lerch is a member of the Hillsborough for Progress and Equality, also known as HOPE. They have been fighting for affordable housing for about six years.

RECOMMENDED: Hillsborough Commissioner to discuss new affordable housing plan

Their pressure was able to convince commissioners to create a $10 million fund to boost what the county already uses to build and update affordable housing.

"But, what they did was majority 55% of the $10 million will go to the people who are making $23 to $28 dollars and hour," Lerch said. "But, the people who are making $15 or less an hour are not going to have enough. There's not enough housing already for those people."

The commissioners decided to keep the plan the way it is for now. Chairman Lesley Miller Jr. said will make changes if they see changes are needed.