New housing for those with special needs opens in New Port Richey

NEW PORT RICHEY — St. Vincent de Paul CARES cut the ribbon last week on the third phase of its permanent supportive housing project Ozanam Village III at 7770 Ozanam Way in New Port Richey.

The ribbon cutting ceremony included remarks by the organization’s chief executive officer Michael Raposa, county officials and a blessing by Gregory Parkes bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg.

The new addition features 15 one-bedroom and 15 two-bedroom apartments bringing the total number of permanent units to 99.

“In the spirit of our founder Frederic Ozanam, this project provides stable housing and support for those with special needs, including those with disabilities or requiring independent living services,” Raposa said in a news release. “St. Vincent de Paul CARES is committed to bringing about an end to homelessness through projects like this, with more planned for the future.”

Project partners include Florida Housing Finance Corporation, NDC Asset Management, Bradley Construction, and Ability Housing.

“We are so proud to have partnered with SVdP CARES on this project. Ozanam Village Ill will be a wonderful home for some of our most vulnerable neighbors. Ability Housing is glad it was able to step-in and assist with bringing this vision to reality,” said Shannon Nazworth, president and chief executive officer of Ability Housing.