Tampa Launches Initiative To Help Residents In Need Keep Their Homes

TAMPA, FL — Tampa's community engagement department launched Thursday its new "Prosper in Place" initiative in partnership with housing & community development, code enforcement, and other service providers.

City officials said the goal of this series is to bring government services and important wealth-building tools directly to residents in neighborhoods.

The first event will take place Thursday at the Springhill Park Community Center parking lot (1000 E. Eskimo Ave.) from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Future pop-ups will be organized in neighborhoods across the city. Experts from multiple City of Tampa departments will participate to offer resources to homeowners who want to improve where they live, educate renters about their rights, and help Tampa residents better plan for the future.

The primary goals of Prosper in Place include:

• Inform tenants about their lawful rights in areas such as discrimination, habitation, privacy, and security deposits
• Provide access to home improvement grants
• Educate homeowners and renters on City services related to water conservation
• Provide access to services designed to help seniors and others lower their utility bills
• Explain the difference between passing on the property through probate versus having an estate plan in place.
• Share key components of estate planning
• Share resources with individuals and families who wish to purchase a home
• Explain how residents can report discriminatory practices
• Promote concepts that build wealth within families

For questions and more information about this new pop-up series, residents can contact the Department of Community Engagement and Partnerships at neighborhoods@tampagov.net or by calling 813-274-7997.