Problem 

In general, there continues to be a shortage of affordable housing in the state of Florida for low, moderate, and middle income families. There are families with the means to purchase, but there isn't enough inventory. The inventory that is available, is out of the price range for these families. The problem isn’t a shortage of land and real estate. The problem is a shortage of builders with a vested interest in the well being of these targeted neighborhoods who can provide affordable housing.

Digging deeper into the weeds of the aforementioned and even more significant, is the economic disparity that exists in these low income neighborhoods within our own tampa bay communities. There is a shortage of educational attainment, decent local employment, quality affordable housing and vibrant businesses owned by local residents.

There has been a number of initiatives over the years to address this problem, but none have been long-term in nature. In fact, most have been long on promises and short on results with the benefits going to the "providers" and "facilitators" of these projects and not the residents of these communities.

There is a need for top quality, affordable, residential real estate development as well as prime, reasonably priced commercial real estate development in these underprivileged neighborhoods that will stimulate the commerce needed to produce vibrant, economically self-sufficient communities.

Solution

We believe that the best way to effect change in any community is to facilitate opportunities within the community for every resident. We will be an invaluable resource for real estate, business, and community development.

EMERGE will work to:

• deliver top quality, affordable, new construction and rehabilitated residential real estate;

• develop prime, reasonably priced, commercial real estate that will stimulate the commerce needed to produce self-sufficient neighborhoods;

• provide safe rental options and wrap around services for young adults aging out of foster care; and

• assist students with post-secondary educational endeavors, career planning and development.

We wish to align ourselves with like minded partners and combine forces to help provide innovation, organization, education, and the economic empowerment to strengthen, expand and grow our communities from within.