Sometimes in the pursuit of a goal, there is a tendency to let your guard down after crossing a huge obstacle. Complacency settles in and we forget about the previous work of individuals and the original goals. HOPE VI was a HUD program started in the 90s to replace failed public housing complexes that were crime ridden and a model for multi-generational dependency on government assistance. The original idea was spawned by a success story in Boston called Harbour Point. The thought was that by mixing various income levels, public housing residents might feel a stronger bond in the community and move into self sufficiency. From this blueprint, HUD created other similar programs.
Tampa’s first foray was with Ponce De Leon and College Hill. In 2001, almost $20 million was awarded to Tampa Housing Authority to create what would eventually become Oaks at Riverview.
For those of us that remember the blight of Riverview Terrace Apartments and the crime that bled into the surrounding area, today’s Oaks at Riverview is a welcome sight. However, for the current residents there are still struggles. HOPE VI was started as a way to give Section 8 recipients a path to permanent residency and self suficiency. At best this is a learning process. At worst, it is a struggle against dependency. Right now that struggle is being born on the shoulders of the home owners at Oaks who probably weren’t aware of the implications of this grand social experiment. These are dedicated home owners who believe in community.
