ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — Faith-based community organization Faith in Florida recognized the city’s efforts to tackle the housing crisis but emphasized that more initiatives are needed to make housing truly affordable.

In a meeting held Thursday night at Bethel Community Baptist Church, Faith in Florida invited community members to explore the concept of social housing—where housing is owned and operated by government bodies, non-profits, or the residents themselves, instead of private companies.

“We’ve engaged in various multi-sector collaborations to tackle the affordability crisis, yet I don’t know anyone whose rent has decreased,” said Dylan Dames, a Faith in Florida organizer.

Nick Carey, the political coordinator for Faith in Florida, expressed that private equity firms often purchase housing to maximize profits for shareholders, thus prioritizing profit over residents’ needs.

“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.

“Local authorities are best suited to understand what is essential for residents. Unlike state or federal levels, local governance can directly address the people’s needs,” said Noel Gonzalez, a local parent who relocated to Florida from New Jersey in search of improved financial prospects.

Advocates cautioned that without adopting solutions like social housing, the community risks facing challenges such as labor shortages, decreased school enrollment, increased homelessness, and a reduction in population.

“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.