Bishop Gregory Parkes gathered with local leaders and community partners to celebrate the official Ribbon Cutting of Casa di Francesco, a brand-new 140-unit affordable housing community for seniors aged 55 and older, located next to St. Francis of Assis Catholic Church, in Hillsborough County on grounds donated by the Diocese of Saint Petersburg.  

“Our seniors are our fastest growing homeless population,” said Cheryl Howell, an Assistant Hillsborough County Administrator who spoke during the ceremony on May 8, 2025

Casa di Francesco is a public-private collaboration between affordable housing developer Blue Sky Communities, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, and various financial partners. 

“I am grateful for the opportunity to work with our community partners to open Casa Di Francesco in Hillsborough County,” said Bishop Parkes. “Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to live, especially our vulnerable senior population. For many years now, the Diocese of Saint Petersburg has worked to increase affordable housing in our community. This is a wonderful achievement and a blessing for the individuals who will call this beautiful property home.” 

The name Casa di Francesco honors the legacy of St. Francis of Assisi Parish and reflects the church’s long-standing vision to serve older residents in need. The project was initially inspired by the late Father Chris Fitzgerald, the parish’s founding pastor, who hoped to use church land to meet the needs of an aging population. Father Edison Bernavas, pastor at St. Francis of Assisi from 2017 to 2024 worked with Catholic Charities to bring leaders together to move the project forward.

“This is a proud moment for the Diocese, as well as the parish, and above all, for the community, because as human beings, we always dream about having a decent place to live,” said Father Edison.

Casa di Francesco features a single four-story building with 100 one-bedroom units and 40 two-bedroom units. Rents are income-restricted, with units available to seniors at 22%, 33%, and 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Current 60% AMI rental rates are $1,056 for a one-bedroom and $1,274 for a two-bedroom apartment. 

Seniors interested in applying can do so at www.casadifrancesco.com/applicants. 

Casa di Francesco offers a vibrant, community-focused lifestyle with a long list of amenities, including a clubhouse, craft room, library, exercise room, walking trail, picnic area, and a community garden. Residents will also benefit from wellness check-ins, 24/7 on-call support, and on-site literacy and enrichment programming provided by property manager Carteret Management and St. Francis of Assisi Parish. The building is easily accessible with two elevators, and on-site parking. Walmart, Publix, and Aldi are all within walking distance. 

Units are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Each apartment must have at least one resident age 55 or older, and no household members under 18 are allowed. 

The celebration featured remarks from Shawn Wilson, President of Blue Sky Communities, Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers, Esther Marshall of Fifth Third Bank, and Cheryl Howell, Assistant County Administrator for Equity and Community Impact for Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, all underscoring the importance of providing dignified, stable housing for older adults. 

“Safe, affordable housing is the foundation for a thriving community,” said Commissioner Gwen Myers. “I’m proud to support the Casa di Francesco Apartments because they give our seniors the dignity, stability, and hope they deserve.