To preserve affordable housing, St. Pete expands home repair rebate program
To preserve affordable housing, St. Pete expands home repair rebate program ABC Action News Tampa Bay
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Affordable Housing in St. Petersburg
Introduction
Renee Smith, a resident of St. Petersburg, Florida, represents the typical story of many individuals in the city. Despite being raised in St. Pete and working full time there, she is unable to afford living in the city anymore.
The Need for Affordable Housing
Smith emphasizes the urgent need for more affordable housing options in St. Petersburg. Councilman Richie Floyd, who represents District 8, shares her concerns and acknowledges the city’s housing issues.
The Impact of Inflation on Home Prices
Floyd highlights that the Tampa Bay area has experienced the highest inflation in home prices nationwide over the past three years. He emphasizes the necessity of utilizing every available tool to address the housing crisis.
Introducing the Rebate Program
To tackle the housing challenges, the city of St. Petersburg announced a rebate program for home repairs. This program aims to provide financial assistance to qualified homeowners for various types of repairs and upgrades, including structural repairs, roof replacement, electric/plumbing upgrades, window/door replacement, HVAC replacement, insulation upgrades, kitchen/bath upgrades, and constructing an accessory dwelling unit (ADU).
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the rebate program, the repair costs must amount to $10,000 or more. Additionally, the household income should be at or below 120% of the Area Median Income, and the home must be classified as “workforce or affordable housing.”
Expanding Citywide
Councilman Floyd explains that while the rebate program has been implemented in South St. Pete for some time, the city aims to expand its reach to cover the entire city. The housing issues faced by residents are not limited to a specific area but affect the entire community.
The Goal of the Program
The Rebates for Affordable Residential Rehab Program, as officially known, is designed to increase the supply and quality of affordable housing in St. Petersburg. The program’s website states that approved applicants will receive 40% of the pre-approved construction value from the city.
A Tool in the Affordable Housing Toolbox
Councilman Floyd emphasizes that while the rebate program is not a comprehensive solution, it serves as one tool among many in the city’s efforts to address affordable housing. He encourages homeowners to reach out to their council members or email their office for guidance through the application process.
Application Process
Interested individuals can apply for the program or learn more by clicking here.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The issue of affordable housing and the need for more housing options in St. Petersburg, Florida, connects to SDG 1, which aims to eradicate poverty, including ensuring access to adequate housing for all. It also relates to SDG 11, which focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular, the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property.
- Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
The article highlights the need for affordable housing options in St. Petersburg, indicating a lack of equal access to economic resources and affordable housing for individuals like Renee Smith. This aligns with Target 1.4 of SDG 1. Additionally, the announcement of a rebate program for home repairs aims to increase the supply and quality of affordable housing in the city, addressing Target 11.1 of SDG 11.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, the following indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Percentage of households with access to affordable and adequate housing
- Percentage of households receiving financial assistance for home repairs
- Percentage of households below the Area Median Income that qualify for housing assistance programs
The article mentions the eligibility criteria for the rebate program, which includes income limits and the requirement for the home to be considered “workforce or affordable housing.” These criteria imply indicators such as the percentage of households below the Area Median Income that qualify for housing assistance programs and the percentage of households receiving financial assistance for home repairs. Additionally, tracking the percentage of households with access to affordable and adequate housing can measure progress towards the targets.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 1: No Poverty | Target 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular, the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property. |
|
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums. |
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Source: abcactionnews.com
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