‘I want a spot to remain’: Tampa Bay’s rising hire costs depart veteran within the lurch

LARGO, Fla. (WFLA) — Rising hire costs are taking a monetary and emotional toll on households round Tampa Bay.

An area veteran tells 8 On Your Facet he could also be with no place to dwell in a matter of weeks.

John Bellicourt lives in a one-bedroom condominium in Largo, for no less than a short while longer.

“Landlord known as me on Monday and mentioned she needs to place the condo on the market,” he mentioned.

The Navy veteran misplaced his job in December. He pays $850 for the fully-furnished unit he has rented for 16 years.

Now, he’s out there for a brand new job and an condo he can afford with the $1,250 social safety test he receives every month.

“I known as round yesterday, it’s wherever from $1,200 to $1,400 for a one bed room condo if you’ll find ’em,” Bellicourt mentioned.

He is aware of he’s not the one one struggling. Current numbers from the Nationwide Coalition of Low Earnings Housing reveals it might take roughly three minimal wage jobs to afford and common two-bedroom condo in some native counties.

The typical hire for a one-bedroom condo in Tampa is $1,600, based on Zumper National Rent Report.

Bellicort must be out by February.

He’s trying into loans from the Division of Veteran Affairs and persevering with his search, hoping to search out an reasonably priced place to name dwelling.

“I’ve no automobile, all I can do is carry a suitcase of my stuff with me as a result of I can’t take anything. I don’t have anywhere to place it,” he mentioned.