MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — With a snip, a new ribbon of hope was cut on the Suncoast today.

Hope Villages of Manatee is a housing system built on a collaborative effort by Hope to Homes to address families at high risk of homelessness.

The project, 10 years in the making, is now officially a resource for the community to help those with young children at risk of homelessness.

“Our efforts have been diligent in ensuring workforce housing and affordable housing options are accessible to every resident in Manatee County,” stated Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse.

This program teaches financial literacy and helps residents move from poverty to home ownership.

“Witnessing a family approach us with minimal hope is remarkable. We conduct a comprehensive 10-point analysis to identify what each family needs to initially achieve stability,” explained April Childers, the vice president of Hope to Homes.

There’s a total of 16 housing units plus a community center and playground. A welcome site for families deep in crisis.

“The cost is $1,050 monthly for rent and utilities, including WiFi. Remarkably, within just six months, families are becoming stable and they begin to increase their savings while gaining financial literacy,” Childers added.

Right now, Hope Village is only at 50% occupancy.

Not only are families referred to this program by churches, schools and other agencies, but anyone in need can also apply to the program themselves for consideration.

The hope for Hope Village of Manatee is to continue to spread this model and really make an impact on at-risk families beyond Manatee County.