In 1986, the Pinellas County Coalition for the Homeless, through their yearly survey, identified a large number of single parent families who were unable to cover the many barriers to economic self sufficiency. It became apparent that without job training or further education, as well as decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing, and licensed subsidized child care, this segment of the population would be unable to the break the cycle of governmental dependency.

In 1991, after neighborhood oppositions in two locations, the 10 acre site where Pinellas Village is located was approved with the assistance and generosity of the City of St. Petersburg, Pinellas County Community Development, and the Pinellas County Board of Commissioners.

Phase I of Pinellas Village, consisting of 72 units, was completed in mid-1992 with a unique blend of public/ private partnership.  A limited partnership was formed consisting of Pinellas Inc., organized under Section 501 (c) (3), and the Lowe’s Company, Inc. of North Carolina. Lowe’s provided equity in exchange for the housing tax credits under the Low Income Tax Credit Program.

Phase II, consisting of an additional 48 units, was completed in June 1994.  Funding obtained through our HOME program, again with the assistance Pinellas County Community Development, the Florida Housing Finance Authority, and an additional conventional mortgage loan.

To meet the needs of our potential clients, a task force, including state, county, and government representatives, met to design a program which could meet the needs the barriers for this population group.  The extensive collaborative planning efforts were achieved by the City of St. Petersburg, Pinellas County Board of Commissioners, Pinellas County Housing Authority, Pinellas County Community Development, and Juvenile Welfare Board, as well as local educators and social service providers.

The Family Services program was created, and it focuses on the clients establishing an Individual Training and Services Plan.  This documented plan maps short and long term goals needed to achieve self-sufficiency within a five year time frame.