00 New, Larger Hope Cottages to be Unveiled at Tampa Hope News General, News Housing and Community Development, News Mayor Office Tampa Hope Expands Occupancy Availability with[...]

Just in time for spring, 100 new Hope Cottages™ are ready to welcome individuals who are without a home. The structures are located within Catholic Charities' Tampa Hope property, which opened in December 2021, to provide critical services and shelter to people experiencing homelessness.

The new cottages feature upgrades, such as more room from the original cottages (70 square feet versus the original 64 square feet), enhanced insulation, and interior wall panels that create a more inviting space. A newer HVAC system also provides high-efficiency heating and cooling.

The new cottages bring the total number of Hope Cottages™ to 215. With some being double occupancy, the cottages can house 236 people. Tampa Hope also has 116 single-occupancy tents, now allowing the shelter to house more than 352 people.

Since the introduction of these stationary structures three years ago, the City of Tampa's Housing & Community Development (HCD) team, in partnership with Tampa Hope and the Tampa Police Department, has coordinated outreach and intake initiatives to help fill them.

Together, the teams visit major areas of need in, and around, downtown Tampa. Intake and screening is performed on-site, and individuals who qualify are transported directly to Tampa Hope for full intake, meals, and supportive services.

"Providing dignified, safe shelter for our most vulnerable neighbors is a priority every day, and these new cottages represent an opportunity for stability, services, and a fresh start," said Mayor Jane Castor. "Our teams are committed to filling all available units as quickly as possible so more individuals can have a safe place to call home."

The new, 70 square foot cottages will provide a bed, air conditioning and heating system, smoke detector, fire extinguisher, power outlets, shelving, windows, and storage space. Additionally, the cottages can resist up to category 5 hurricane force winds. The new structures were directly shaped by feedback from individuals who lived in Hope Cottages to ensure the units meet the practical needs of residents.

"In the four-plus years since Tampa Hope opened, we've gone from sheltering 100 homeless City of Tampa neighbors to nearly 350 with plans to expand to over 400," said Maggie Rogers, Executive Director of Catholic Charities. "Since then, we have served more than 1,900 people and successfully discharged nearly 700."

Each Hope Cottage™ is approximately $25,000. The City of Tampa provided $1.2 million in funding.

About Tampa Hope
Since its opening in December 2021, Tampa Hope has served men and women ranging in age from 18 to 60+, with the average length of stay around 90 days. In 2025 alone, the facility served 402 clients. Services provided include three daily meals, toiletries, clothing, medical care, life skills and financial management classes, and substance abuse and mental health treatment.