For real estate developer and property manager Bruzenskey Bois, affordable housing is a piece of a larger puzzle. 

He officially launched the Social Economic Redevelopment Initiative, known as SERI USA, in the Tampa Bay region last month. The public-private partnership was also designed to provide economic opportunity and wraparound services. 

Currently, SERI USA has a house under contract in south St. Petersburg. Once it is acquired, Bois plans to complete renovations at the site. He then hopes to have a family move in within 30 to 45 days. 

“I’ve always admired the format of Habitat for Humanity and the work that they do,” he explained. “I also recognized that there is a need for more of that work. They can’t reach everyone. In taking that model, I said, ‘How can I do what I love to do, but just have meaning and purpose behind it?’”

Bruzenskey Bois

There are four key components to the SERI platform. 

The first is educating people on small scale development and placemaking. Bois said that the goal is to empower others to be better developers and landlords. This can help create generational wealth. 

SERI USA, in partnership with The Urban Charrette, hosted its first developer convening meeting at Tampa’s Armature Works mixed-use space in July. He added that the gatherings will be scheduled monthly. 

According to the Urban Charrette’s website, the relaunched nonprofit “facilitates connections between the community and the built environment by cultivating awareness of respectful urban design through dialogue, collaboration, and education.”

The second pillar is mental health. According to Bois, his own life served as inspiration. SERI USA is collaborating with a licensed mental therapist for the effort. Individuals will be able to receive life coaching and participate in peer support groups. 

“We want to get folks prepared to get better jobs,” he said. “At the end of the day, if you’re not supporting someone mentally, having good skill sets and being able to afford housing means nothing.”

The third component is workforce development training in partnership with the Foundation for Community Driven Innovation. The SERI USA team will use the FCDI’s Tampa facility to host workshops and programs. Bois plans to bring in specialists to “focus on different areas.” 

“Getting people up to date with their skill sets makes them more marketable in the job market,” he explained. “Right now it’s really tough for a lot of people in the job market with artificial intelligence.” 

The final pillar is acquiring actual real estate. Bois plans to purchase properties throughout the Tampa Bay area and introduce a lease-to-own model. The client’s rent payments will go towards the down payment of the home. 

After purchasing the assets, the SERI USA team will renovate the homes, similar to the south St. Pete site. He hopes potential homeowners in the program will participate in the renovation process. This can give them “real-life experience.”

Choosing south St. Pete for the first property was not a difficult choice. 

“I think the municipality here gets it,” Bois said. “The City already has different initiatives to make housing affordable and to make it a priority. So, for me, I thought it would be best to align ourselves with a city that already understands that process. So, when we do have that dialogue and sit at the table and meet, we’re all doing the same things.” 

The cost and location are attractive as well, he added. Homes can still be acquired for $200,000 or less in the area. Bois said that “the barrier of entry is a lot lower for us to get started with this program here.” 

SERI USA will host its next developer convening meeting Aug. 26 at Armature Works, at 1910 N. Ola Avenue, Tampa, from 6 to 8 p.m.

For more information on the organization, visit this link.