BROOKSVILLE, Fla. — As rent skyrockets, senior citizens in the Tampa Bay area are having a tough time affording to live.
A new affordable housing complex in Brooksville is hoping to change that problem. Rochester Apartments opened in September, and the complex is conveniently located off of U.S. 41.
It's a complex for senior citizens who are on fixed incomes. One senior citizen who moved in this fall said she was struggling to find an apartment she could afford to rent.
"Everything is just too expensive. Even one bedrooms were just way beyond what we could afford. It was impossible. We were basically stuck," Laurie Campbell said.
Campbell said she saw an advertisement on Facebook that Rochester Park Apartments was opening. She met with complex management and found out the rent was in her price range.
"885 dollars, that’s amazing," Campbell said.
Before Campbell moved into Rochester Apartments, she was living with her son because she couldn't afford anything else.
"It’s been a horror show. It’s been very difficult. This is a blessing because it’s affordable," Laurie explained.
A spokesperson for Rochester Park Apartments said their goal is to offer those on fixed incomes a place they can afford to live safely.
"Affordable housing, especially for seniors, is scarce. When they come into our doors, of course, their concerns are budget and being on a fixed income," Rochester Park Community Manager, Rosemary Barker.
The Florida Housing Coalition reported over 66,000 units are at risk of being lost from privately owned affordable housing stock over the next 20 years. That makes complexes like Rochester Park Apartments so necessary. To live there tenants need to meet income requirements.
"For one person, your income cannot exceed $36,500," Barker explained.
The complex is halfway full, but there are 84 units available. If you are interested in a lease, you can apply online.