Single Dad Finds Housing Stability in Tampa | Metro Program

Renaldo moved his three children into Uplift Hall at Metro's Tampa campus on May 21, 2026, after the organization called with housing availability. The single father had been weeks away from eviction and feared losing custody of his kids, ages 13, 10, and 8.

"I was running from pillar to post," Renaldo said. His older children had spent time separated from him before coming into his full custody. When eviction threatened, he had no stable place to rebuild.

"I had to pick myself up for my kids," he said. "To show them that I can be the father they need."

Uplift Hall houses families while connecting them to job training and other services. Renaldo enrolled in an Auto Mechanic certification program at Brewster Technical College. His children now attend school regularly from one address.

"My children are happy," Renaldo said. "They were so tired of running from one place to another."