After nearly a month since the grand opening of two permanent supportive housing communities in southwest Gainesville, some of Alachua County’s most vulnerable residents have begun moving into the renovated county-owned sites.
County commissioners and staff cut the ribbon April 21 as they prepared to welcome future residents to the former Scottish and Budget inns.
Just south of Southwest 13th Street and Williston Road, the communities include 67 total units — 36 at East Tumblin Creek, formerly the Budget Inn, and 31 at Forest Edge, formerly the Scottish Inn.
As of May 13, Alachua County Community Support Services Director Claudia Tuck told The Sun by email that 11 residents were already on-site, with two more expected to move in by the end of the week, bringing the total to 13. She added that another 23 people are in the process of completing applications and preparing to move in.
Angela, a Forest Edge resident who did not provide her last name, said May 13 that she moved into the community the day before after applying through the GRACE outreach program. After learning she would receive her own apartment, Angela said her knees trembled and she started “balling tears,” thanking God.
“I’m not scared, I’m not worried, I’m not frightened like I was at GRACE,” Angela said, referring to the homeless shelter just off Northeast 39th Avenue. “Even though it is my second day at Forest, I feel like at home. I would not have gotten it on my own. God helped me, my faith helped me.”
Applying through the same program, another resident, who did not provide their name, said he had been there for a week and appreciates having his own “pad” to cook his own meals, use his own restroom and wash his clothes for free in the complex’s laundry room without worrying someone will steal his clothes.
“Everything they gave you is brand new, like the bed. It’s awesome,” the resident said. “I was flabbergasted — this is beautiful. This isn’t GRACE Marketplace.”
Echoing Angela’s faith, the resident said God blessed him with a second chance and the peace he deserves.
Utilities and Wi-Fi are included, and residents with income will pay 30% of their earnings toward rent. Those seeking employment will not pay rent until hired.
In November 2020, the Alachua County Commission approved the purchase of the Budget Inn for $2.2 million. In 2023, the abutting former Scottish Inn was purchased for about $1.8 million, with funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.
Renovations to the properties began in May 2025.
Gray Construction Services completed a $4.6 million renovation of the 36 units at East Tumblin Creek, each designed as a studio-style apartment with space for a bed, kitchenette, bathroom and small living area. At Forest Edge, Ulloa Management Group oversaw a $4.1 million renovation of 31 units.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Thankful residents find peace in Alachua County’s new supportive housing
Reporting by Elliot Tritto, Gainesville Sun / The Gainesville Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
