THE HOUSING EXPERIMENT

What might happen if you gave homeless people a new, safe, quiet apartment for themselves, plus free furniture, counseling and classes? As housing costs have soared across Tampa Bay, an experiment in downtown St. Petersburg offers 50 affordable homes — and a chance to start over.

Part 1: In St. Petersburg, homeless people get an apartment, support – and a fresh start

A housing experiment asks: What happens when resources and stability are offered? First in an occasional series

Part 2: A St. Petersburg housing experiment is 2 months old. Here’s how it’s going.

As residents settle into the new Innovare apartments, some bond and some break the rules. Second in an occasional series

Part 3: Formerly homeless St. Pete residents mark milestones in housing experiment

As rent comes due for the first time, residents and staff weigh accountability and grace. Third in an occasional series

Part 4: Some thrive, some struggle as formerly homeless residents adapt to St. Pete apartments

The housing experiment hasn’t lost any residents yet, just one staffer.

Part 5: Six months into St. Pete’s housing experiment, enforcing rules and measuring success

Residents of the Innovare apartments adapt to air-conditioning rules, visitor checks and regular inspections.

About the reporters

Both have worked at the Tampa Bay Times for more than 20 years.

Lane DeGregory

is an enterprise reporter covering hope and humanity. Read more.

Dirk Shadd

is a staff photographer. Read more.

How to help

To help, or get on the Innovare waiting list, contact Volunteers of America of Florida at 727-369-8500.