Innovative Workforce Housing Model Expands in Manatee County
A unique housing model in Manatee County is targeting the growing affordability gap faced by essential workers who earn too much to qualify for housing subsidies but struggle to afford market-rate rents.
One Stop Housing, a construction company working in partnership with its nonprofit arm, One Stop Cares, is preparing to open The Nest at Robin’s Apartments, a 182-unit community designed to serve first responders, teachers, nurses, and other members of the workforce often referred to as the missing middle. The development builds on the success of the existing Robin’s Apartments campus, where rents are significantly lower than comparable units in nearby coastal and urban areas.
The company’s model blends for-profit construction with philanthropic reinvestment, directing revenue back into the nonprofit to help keep rents affordable while supporting residents with financial guidance and stability services. Tenants at Robin’s Apartments report monthly rents hundreds of dollars below prevailing market rates, allowing them to reduce expenses and gain financial breathing room.
Residents who have relocated from higher-cost apartments describe substantial savings that have eased financial stress and reduced monthly obligations. Those savings, according to One Stop Cares leadership, can be the difference between housing insecurity and long-term stability.
Executive Director Audrey Abraham said the organization’s mission extends beyond rent collection, focusing instead on restoring hope and providing pathways to self-sufficiency. The nonprofit assists residents facing financial hardships and works to prevent homelessness, with its most notable successes occurring when tenants save enough to purchase homes of their own.
Managing Partner of One Stop Housing and chairman of One Stop Cares, Mark Vengroff, said the company builds at roughly 38% to 40% below market rate by controlling costs throughout the development process. Operating expenses are nearly half those of traditional property management companies, allowing savings to be passed directly to residents. Comparable market-rate units typically rent for $1,600 to $1,700 per month, while One Stop Housing units average closer to $1,100 per month, translating into annual savings of about $7,000 per household.
Demand for The Nest at Robin’s Apartments underscores the region’s housing challenges. Within five weeks of announcing availability, more than 450 families applied, prompting the company to close its waiting list. Of the 182 units, 100 are reserved for deputies with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Department, employees of the local school district, and City of Bradenton workers.
Project Manager Nick Agrusa said the work addresses housing insecurity in a tangible way, describing the project as both professional and personal in its impact on the community.
Looking ahead, One Stop Housing plans to expand its footprint with approximately 800 additional units in the development pipeline. Company leaders say future projects will continue focusing on workforce housing as demand grows, positioning the model as a potential blueprint for addressing affordability challenges across the region.
