ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — Community faith-based organization Faith in Florida acknowledged that the city is taking steps to address its housing crisis but said more can be done to make housing truly affordable.

During a Thursday night meeting at Bethel Community Baptist Church, Faith in Florida invited residents to discuss the concept of social housing — housing owned and managed by government agencies, non-profits, or residents themselves, rather than private corporations. 

“We’ve done all kinds of multi-sector collaboration to address the affordability crisis, but I don’t know anyone whose rent is actually lower,” said Dylan Dames, organizer for Faith in Florida.

Nick Carey, Faith in Florida’s political coordinator, said private equity firms often buy housing solely to generate profits for shareholders, leaving residents’ needs secondary. 

“Social housing, having an option driven more by people’s need for housing than a profit motive, is how we keep things affordable,” Carey said.

Residents agreed with Carey and added local ownership is key.

“The city knows exactly what’s most important for residents. It’s not handled at a state or federal level where it may not be conducive to the needs of the people at the local level,” said Noel Gonzalez, a local father of two who moved to Florida from New Jersey hoping for better finances.

Representatives warned that without solutions like social housing, the city faces risks including labor shortages, declining school enrollment, rising homelessness, a reduction in population and more.

“When people are worrying about where they’re going to sleep or how they’re going to pay their bills, they are not happy,” said Jameka Williams, Faith in Florida communications specialist. “Everyone deserves to live with dignity and happiness in our city.”

Dames told News Channel 8 organizers plan to take the community’s feedback to city leaders by reaching out to set up a meeting as early as Friday or early next week.