Apartments bought to help struggling Tampa families

New housing is on the way for some families struggling to make ends meet.

The Catholic Charities organization is purchasing a 40-unit apartment complex in Tampa’s university area to help families get back on their feet.

James Goodson is one of the few residents now living at the Sand Dollar Apartments.

“They need fixing up,” said Goodson. “It ain’t the best in the world, but it is what it is.”

The apartment complex will soon be renovated, because Catholic Charities bought the complex under Hillsborough County’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

After the six month project is finished, the low-cost apartments will be offered to residents who face financial problems, according to Catholic Charities president Frank Murphy.

"A lot of people have lost hours of work, have gone from full-time to part-time,” said Murphy. “And it's really a financial hit on their family. They just can't afford the apartment costs."

The organization already maintains about 1,600 apartments throughout the Bay area, but they are only for people in designated categories with health issues.

Murphy said the Sand Dollar Apartments will be the first opportunity for Catholic Charities to help any struggling family.

Neighbor Shanta Luckett said she hopes the apartment project leads to other positive changes in the community.

"Maybe they'll think of putting something over here for the kids to play, like a park or something in this area across from it," said Luckett.

As for Goodson, he said he plans to move out soon to make way for change.

"I'd be willing to jump right back in with them, and help out and do whatever I have to do," said Goodson.

Catholic Charities officials said they are also looking to buy other apartment complexes in the Bay area.