Hope Partnership celebrated the grand opening of Thrive Studios, a newly redeveloped 33-unit affordable housing community for low-income families in Kissimmee, with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Thrive Studios stands where the former Crown Motel used to be on U.S. Highway 192/Vine Street. Florida Community Loan Fund is a proud financing partner for the project, which comes as Central Florida was ranked the worst rental market in the nation in 2026 for low-income families. Hope Partnership, under the leadership of founder and CEO Reverend Mary Lee Downey, has worked creatively to address the issue by going beyond a traditional affordable housing model by integrating supportive services, case management, employment assistance, and access to additional resources that help residents address the root causes of housing instability.
Watch Spectrum News 13’s coverage of the Thrive Studios Grand Opening here
Community leaders, elected officials, and residents gathered for the opening, including State Senator Kristen Arrington, U.S. Congressman Darren Soto, and Osceola County Commissioners Brandon Arrington and Cheryl Grieb. Additional attendees included former Florida Senator Victor Cortes, Osceola School District Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff, Kissimmee Deputy City Manager Desiree Matthews, and representatives from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
During her address to the attendees, Reverend Mary Lee Downey emphasized that Thrive Studios is about more than housing – it’s about restoring dignity and creating opportunity.
Learn more about FCLF and Hope Partnership
Pictured above, the ribbon cutting at Thrive Studios. Below, exterior of the former motel that now offers affordable housing.
