Tampa roof repair program aims to keep residents in homes

The East Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency is working with Habitat for Humanity to fund roof replacements at two homes in the city as part of a program aimed at keeping homeowners in their houses.

The program is focused on the Highland Pines neighborhood, which is on Tampa’s east side, not too far from Ybor City.

The two homes that will have their roofs replaced are on Star Street.

Grants under the Emergency Roof Repair programs are for up to $15,000. These grants are for residents whose roofs have been damaged and who are unable to afford the repairs. The work is to be completed by contractors approved and trained by the city.

The goal, according to the East Tampa CRA, “is to make homes safer and prevent families from having to move in today’s challenging housing market.”

Affordable housing advocates say that keeping people in their homes is a big part of the fight to keep neighborhoods intact and affordable. Too often older people or those with limited means cannot afford repairs and their homes become uninhabitable forcing them to leave.

By providing funds or resources to make the needed repairs, people will be able to remain in their homes benefiting the residents and the city which won't have to deal with blight that comes from abandoned properties.

In addition to the roofing work, the city says in a statement that Habitat for Humanity and Fifth Third Bank have also launched the Highland Pines Revitalization Project. This project will offer additional services to neighbors, including landscaping and painting.