To SERVE, YOU MUST UNDERSTAND
In the Spring of 2021, Lotus Loft will open our Tampa Bay program, and begin the work of housing families in the state of Florida. It will serve as the second program, with Lotus Loft PHX still in operation.
In preparation of our launch, the PRMI leadership team (the governing board of Lotus Loft Housing Services), a 501(c)(3) organization, will be making repeated trips to the Tampa Bay region. We look forward to talking with the members of the local community, as well as leaders of all working backgrounds, to understand where we as an organization can fit our mission into, meeting the needs and serving our new community.
While we understand that the needs of any region are complex, with many variables factoring into the climate of the area (such as economic opportunities, the economy as a whole, various cultural and social components, etc.); we have strived to stay informed on the latest information and data, that we here at Lotus expect to play huge roles of who we aid, and how we give them a hand up in all areas of life.
We look forward to growing in our knowledge of this amazing community, and adding on the ground (in the Tampa Bay Area itself) expertise to our work. We look forward to serving along side our new neighbors, and meeting the needs of our new friends and family.
In preparation of our launch, the PRMI leadership team (the governing board of Lotus Loft Housing Services), a 501(c)(3) organization, will be making repeated trips to the Tampa Bay region. We look forward to talking with the members of the local community, as well as leaders of all working backgrounds, to understand where we as an organization can fit our mission into, meeting the needs and serving our new community.
While we understand that the needs of any region are complex, with many variables factoring into the climate of the area (such as economic opportunities, the economy as a whole, various cultural and social components, etc.); we have strived to stay informed on the latest information and data, that we here at Lotus expect to play huge roles of who we aid, and how we give them a hand up in all areas of life.
We look forward to growing in our knowledge of this amazing community, and adding on the ground (in the Tampa Bay Area itself) expertise to our work. We look forward to serving along side our new neighbors, and meeting the needs of our new friends and family.
TAMPA BAY INCOME / POVERTY RATIOS
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Researchers at Harvard in 2016 found that almost half of renters in the U.S. were cost-burdened, spending 30 percent or more of their monthly income on rent. In February 2020 the average rent in Tampa was $1,359 for a 926 sq. ft. apartment, a 5% increase compared to the year prior.
In the Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater FL Metro Area the income per capita was measured at $31,831, with Median Household income at $54,912. For the U.S. at large the figures are $35,977 for the median income per capita with median household income being $68,703 respectively. The U.S. Poverty Rate was at 10.5% in 2019. The Tampa Bay Metro Poverty Rate was 13.4% and 19% for children under 18. Hillsborough County reported 1,650 men, women, and children as homeless in 2019 accounting to Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative. Of those 1,650, 38% were female, 19% were under 18, and 16% are classified as chronically homeless (3+ Years). SO WHAT DOES IT MEANWe here at Lotus believe in solving the complex problems that communities are faced with, and having thoughtful solutions available.
We have always taken to the idea, that we would love to work ourselves out of a job. In other words, we would love to wake up and find no need to have our program, because no family in struggling. While it may sound like wishful thinking, we view it as an ideal to work towards. Lotus has provided a second chance to get back on my feet... A light at the end of the tunnel" ~ Lotus Alumni |
DV IN FLORIDA
In 2013, there were 108,030 DV incidents and 170 DV homicides in Florida. Lotus Loft would like to take the successes of our Phoenix program in regards to aiding survivors of domestic violence to Tampa.
HURDLES IN FINDING OPPORTUNITIES
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Sentencing Project reported Florida having 1.7 million felons living in the state as of 2016, the highest in the U.S. - 10.43% total are disenfranchised. While the importance of voting rights cannot be understated, we understand that the hurdles created by a criminal record can be more invasive, than representation alone.
This can take the form of obstacles such as limited job and education opportunities, and barriers in finding long term housing solutions (mortgage loans, rental history, limitations on public support, etc.). We also know that in the course of family psychology, the effects that this can carry on motherhood, parenting and the long-term development on children is huge. |
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Studies show that 80% of new moms have a real emotional attachment to their newborn. Once reunified with their children after serving time, this can carry an unexplained distance that affects their relationship for years. We know that this carries a heaviness on children when their mothers are incarcerated, and they themselves having to be in a new setting. Everything shifts for them; schooling, dinner time, bed time routines, etc. Their is a longing for mom that is felt and heard for miles.
We are able to be at the forefront, in breaking all the cycles that can be inadvertently created. In knowing the numbers, opening Lotus in Tampa, we know that we will run across situations just as these, at some point. We strive to stay prepared to all possibilities in giving life to the wonderful families we may face.
We know that no matter how complex or tough a problem may be, it can be a beautiful moment to raise up and shine at our brightest. We are looking forward to partnering with other great organizations that carry a heart for this issue, and directly focus in this area, for the betterment of serving our families.
Our Lotus Loft Phoenix location has made it a mission to break cycles. That is something that we desire to take to our Tampa location.
We have taken on the style of making two worlds compete. It is the way that we create a pathway towards success; based on the family's own hopes, dreams and brightest outlooks, to be built upon. So that it's more attractive than the world currently afforded. This takes dedication, hard work, and a shift of mindset to battle their way from the past, into something new (that may seem scary at first). However, with our support, we do extend a new life, that is for the taking to anyone who chooses.
We know that no matter how complex or tough a problem may be, it can be a beautiful moment to raise up and shine at our brightest. We are looking forward to partnering with other great organizations that carry a heart for this issue, and directly focus in this area, for the betterment of serving our families.
Our Lotus Loft Phoenix location has made it a mission to break cycles. That is something that we desire to take to our Tampa location.
We have taken on the style of making two worlds compete. It is the way that we create a pathway towards success; based on the family's own hopes, dreams and brightest outlooks, to be built upon. So that it's more attractive than the world currently afforded. This takes dedication, hard work, and a shift of mindset to battle their way from the past, into something new (that may seem scary at first). However, with our support, we do extend a new life, that is for the taking to anyone who chooses.
