PENSACOLA, Fla. — A new effort to tackle Pensacola’s housing crisis opened its doors Friday.

It’s called Trinity Village. The Catholic Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee unveiled the new tiny home community Friday afternoon.

This neighborhood is designed specifically for low-income seniors.

The deacon says there are more evictions in Pensacola than there are homes. And he’s already had more than 70 applicants interested in moving in, hoping to avoiding homelessness.

Nine new tiny homes on West Garden Street are officially move-in ready.

Each home in Trinity Village was blessed with a prayer.

“In the name of the father, and of the son, and of the holy spirit, peace to this place and all who will live here,” Bishop William Wack said.

Bishop Wack with the Catholic Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee then followed up with a little sprinkle of holy water.

The church opened these homes, specifically for seniors at risk of eviction and homelessness.

“Obviously, we all know housing’s a critical issue across the country and Pensacola’s no different,” Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves said. “So it’s always special to see a community like this, a faith community step up, deliver the solution, and make our city a better place.”

All nine single-occupant homes are just under 300 square feet. Each are fully equipped with a kitchen, bathroom and living space.

The rent will be $500 a month with utilities included. David Sanford says he’ll be applying for this ADA-accessible home.

“Praying to God that I can get this particular one,” Sanford said. “…I can get in and out of my chair. I can change clothes and shower, cook and stuff… But I just like this house so I could be independent and live on myself.”

The community took two years to develop on the Diocese-owned land. It was funded by private donations.

Bishop Wack says applicants are currently undergoing medical screenings, background checks and private interviews before being chosen to move in.

“People love projects like this or helping homeless, but they say, ‘but not in my backyard’ because they’re afraid of many things,” said Wack. “But, we in the church community, have a new thing, ‘yes, in God’s backyard.'”

The bishop says the first residents will move in in the next few weeks.