Community Fun Night @ Lealman Exchange

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Welcome to The Lealman Voice

Welcome to the Lealman Voice!

The Lealman Voice is all about keeping our community connected and informed. Each issue highlights local programs, events, and the people making a difference right here in Lealman. If you have neighborhood updates, upcoming activities, or success stories to share, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can keep the Lealman community strong, engaged, and moving forward.

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What's Happening @ LEX

View more events on the LEX Community Calendar!

Community Tech Desk Launches at LEX

A new free community resource aimed at building digital confidence and online safety skills will launch Tuesday, March 10 at the Lealman Exchange.

The Community Tech Desk, powered by Unique IT Pro and the CodeBoxx Foundation, will operate every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for four consecutive weeks. The program is open to the public and will be hosted during regularly scheduled senior programming hours at the Lealman Exchange (LEX).

Designed as a Digital Navigation and Education resource, the Community Tech Desk provides one-on-one “Tech Checkups” focused on learning, safety and building comfort with technology. The initiative is not designed to sell products or services, but to help individuals better understand and confidently use the devices they already own.

Participants can receive guided support with smartphones and tablets, review privacy and account security settings, learn how to access telehealth portals or use platforms like Zoom, and receive help identifying potential scams. The Tech Desk also offers unbiased guidance for those considering purchasing a new device.

“Our goal is simple — empower community members with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate today’s digital world safely and confidently,” organizers said.

Community members are encouraged to bring their devices and questions. All services are provided free of charge.

Partner Programs @ LEX

Spotlight: Lealman Navigation Services

The Lealman Navigator is here to help you get the support you need to access the wrap-around services available through the Collective Impact Model at the Lealman Exchange. The Navigator is committed to removing a client’s barriers to assistance by identifying critical resources, helping them navigate through the services and systems, and promoting long-term and sustainable success in finding, receiving, and benefiting from available services.

How Habitat’s homeownership program works for the working class

Via St. Pete Catalyst

For many working class families, the dream of owning a safe, stable home can feel just out of reach. Rising housing costs, stagnant wages and strict lending requirements often make traditional homeownership incredibly challenging. But it doesn’t have to be.

At Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside, we believe every family should have access to a safe and affordable home. That’s why we provide a pathway to homeownership rooted in partnership, education and strong community support.

What many people don’t realize is that Habitat applicants are often the very individuals who keep Tampa Bay thriving: teachers, nurses, first responders, government employees, hospitality staff, and other essential workers. These are the people who care for our children, keep our community healthy, make our local businesses run, and contribute every day to what makes Tampa Bay such a vibrant place to live.

Ensuring they can continue to live in the community they serve isn’t just important, it’s vital to our region’s long term strength and stability.

To qualify for the Habitat Homeownership program, applicants must show:

A Need for Affordable Housing

This may include unsafe or overcrowded living conditions or paying more than 30% of income toward housing.

Live or Work in Our Service Area

To apply for the Habitat Tampa Bay Gulfside program, you must have lived or worked in our service area (Pinellas, Hernando, West Pasco) for at least one year.

 Income Within HUD Guidelines

Household income must fall between 30–80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

Ability to Pay an Affordable Mortgage

Applicants must have one year of steady, reliable income, a sufficient debt-to-income ratio, and reasonably good credit. We don’t require perfect credit. We consider families who demonstrate the ability to make regular payments on their bills.

Willingness to Partner

Future homeowners complete 350-400 sweat equity hours, participate in homeownership and financial education classes, and contribute $2,000 toward closing costs.

Tell your neighbors: Don't miss out on hurricane recovery grants

You may not need financial help to rebuild your home or pay off storm-related debt, but you probably know someone who does! Pinellas Recovers is already helping renters, homeowners, and even small landlords get money back or rebuild their lives. Even those who got some help from FEMA or insurance can qualify if they have documented unmet needs. Awards go up to...

·     $15,000 for rent, utilities and other financial hardships

·     $375,000 to rebuild/elevate your primary residence or rental property

·     $80,000 to buy a new home outside the flood zone

·     $50,000 to reimburse you for home repairs you already finished

Help us get the word out about this program: recover.pinellas.gov.

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