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Housing For Homeless Benefits City

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 27, 2008

When talking about projects that will transform neighborhoods, the buzz in Tampa these days is all about the changes coming to downtown's entryway: a new Tampa Museum of Art, the Glazer Children's Museum, a new Riverwalk, a remodeled Ashley Drive and a redesigned Curtis Hixon Park.

But another groundbreaking took place a few weeks ago on a project that should improve the challenged Sulphur Springs neighborhood and the lives of the less fortunate.
Metropolitan Ministries calls the East Waters Avenue complex of 12 townhouses "The Sanctuary" because it will give women and children who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless, time and space to get back on their feet.

Some Sulphur Springs residents had opposed the project, believing their neighborhood has become a dumping ground for group homes. But the vacant Methodist church property where the Sanctuary is being built had become a haven for homeless squatters. Far better to replace it with something that helps elevate people's lives.

Residents cannot stay forever. They will be expected to transition out of the homes within two years.

In return for reduced rents, they must commit to job training and education programs.

The nicely designed Sanctuary will not only help restore Sulphur Springs, it will help integrate the homeless into the mainstream and strengthen our community.

Good job, Metropolitan Ministries.

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