National Housing Ministries

Pros

• Todd Leclair is praised as an exceptional housing counselor who provides clear guidance and is always available to help.
• Cheryl Hudson is described as wonderful, funny, and a superb host and educator in the First Time Homebuyer class.
• Angel Santiago is recognized for guiding clients through the application and approval process and keeping things moving toward closing.
• The staff of Tampa Bay Neighborhood Housing Service are genuinely motivated, sincere, personal, and professional.
• The organization is characterized as phenomenal and life-changing, with a team that changes lives in the community.
• The programs help homebuyers qualify and improve affordability, with counselors offering valuable information for informed decisions.
• The service helps families reestablish stability and provides essential support for homeownership.
• Bella from Tampa Bay Neighborly Housing Services is acknowledged for outstanding presentations and assisting clients with condo purchases.
• Clients report being supported from the first contact through signing, with responsive service that makes homebuying easier.

Cons

• The reviewer felt it took over four years to get a response, leading them to move out of Florida due to lack of affordable housing help.
• The reviewer described staff as unhelpful and idle, saying they did nothing to help people find affordable housing.
• The reviewer stated they became homeless because rent increases exceeded their income.
• The reviewer claimed poor customer service and that they were scammed out of money, and would not recommend the company.
• Cheryl Hudson allegedly did not take the time to answer phone calls or provide straightforward information.
• Bella did not follow through on anything she said she would.
• The closing process was described as confusing, with many unknowns and numerous costs charged to the buyer.

Review

Tampa Bay Neighborhood Housing Service (TBNHS) appears in these testimonials as a caring, people-centered resource for homebuyers in the Tampa Bay area. Across many reviews, clients describe a consistent emphasis on guidance, education, and practical help that makes the homebuying journey more manageable. The organization is framed not only as a service provider but as a supportive partner that offers classes, counseling, and connections to down payment assistance programs. Reviewers repeatedly note that the experience feels personal and not just transactional, with staff members going the extra mile to answer questions, explain steps, and keep the process moving forward.

A number of reviews center on one counselor in particular, Todd Leclair, who is repeatedly praised as knowledgeable, patient, and responsive. Clients say he explains both the steps and the wording involved in the process, helps them understand what is needed, and remains available for follow-up questions. Several testimonials mention that Todd provides encouragement and practical guidance throughout the journey to homeownership, from initial counseling to helping with issues that arise along the way. The sentiment is consistently positive: Todd is seen as a trusted resource who helps buyers feel informed and confident about their decisions.

Cheryl Hudson also features prominently in these reviews, particularly for her role in the First Time Homebuyer class. People note that she is welcoming and engaging, with a knack for organizing and keeping the class on track. One reviewer specifically mentions Cheryl's effectiveness in scheduling and keeping things in line, and others recall her as a wonderful host and educator. The class setting at Achieva Conference Center in Dunedin is described as informative and approachable, with Cheryl adding a human touch that makes the learning experience enjoyable.

Beyond counseling and classroom instruction, several reviewers highlight dedicated staff who assist with the financial side of buying a home. Angel Santiago is singled out for his hands-on support with the City of Clearwater's down payment assistance program, which helped one senior qualify for a condo by providing down payment and closing costs. Angels' role is depicted as proactive and persistent, keeping the process moving and guiding applicants through the application and approval steps. Other staff members, including Jessica Thompson and Bella, receive praise for their professionalism and their roles in helping clients reach closing, even as a few reviews acknowledge mixed experiences with individual staff members.

The reviews collectively emphasize the transformative impact of the organization on many families and individuals. People describe real, tangible outcomes - closing on a home with assistance, stabilizing housing after a period of rental insecurity, and regaining a sense of future stability. Several testimonials celebrate the broader mission of the agency: educating buyers, demystifying the homebuying process, and standing up for buyers in ways that create opportunities that might not exist otherwise. Several reviewers credit the organization with changing lives and helping communities revitalize through thoughtful housing support.

Not every experience is perfect, and the feedback includes some criticisms alongside the praise. One reviewer notes a slow response time that lasted years and describes feeling unheard, ultimately moving out of Florida after feeling the system failed to provide the needed support despite having income. Another mentions a negative experience with a specific staff member, stating that Bella did not follow through on commitments. A separate comment points to confusion around closing costs and the overall process, suggesting that even as the organization provides essential services, there is room for clearer communication and consistent follow-through across all touchpoints. These criticisms underscore the importance of responsiveness and reliability in maintaining trust, even as the broader body of reviews paints a largely positive picture.

Overall, the collection of reviews paints a picture of a nonprofit housing service that is deeply valued by many first-time buyers and long-term renters seeking a path to ownership. The recurring themes are strong counselor support, practical down payment and closing cost assistance, and education that empowers clients to make informed decisions. The people named - Todd Leclair, Cheryl Hudson, Angel Santiago, Bella, and Jessica Thompson - appear to be central to many clients' positive experiences, helping families navigate complex processes with a blend of professionalism and personal warmth. While there are isolated concerns about responsiveness and consistency, the prevailing tone is one of gratitude and hope, with many expressing eagerness to continue working with the organization and to refer others to the services that helped them achieve homeownership.

Physicians

• Florida Department of Health, Pinellas County Health Department, Clearwater Center (1.2 miles)
• Academic Alliance in Dermatology (1.3 miles)
• Clearwater Pediatric Care (2.4 miles)
• Dunedin Pediatrics (2.9 miles)
• Bay Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery (3.2 miles)
• Virginia Street Dermatology (3.3 miles)
• The Heart Institute at Largo (3.6 miles)

Restaurants

• Cristino's Coal Oven Pizza (1.5 miles)
• Island Way Grill (2.5 miles)
• Windward Bar & Grille (2.6 miles)
• Hammerstein Brewing Company (2.7 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2.8 miles)
• Frenchys Saltwater Caf (3.1 miles)
• Clear Sky Cafe (3.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Morton Plant Hospital (1.7 miles)
• Morgan Heart Hospital (1.7 miles)
• Mease Countryside Hospital (6.7 miles)
• Mease Countryside Hospital-Medical Arts Building (6.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• Walgreens (3.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.2 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (3.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.8 miles)

Parks

• Eagle Lake Park (2.3 miles)
• McMullen Booth Tennis Center Clearwater FL (2.6 miles)
• Sand Key Park (3.1 miles)
• Dog Run (3.4 miles)
• Kapok Park (4.1 miles)
• Largo Central Park (4.3 miles)
• Stirling Park (5.4 miles)

Cafes

• Belleair Coffee Company (4 miles)
• Starbucks (4 miles)
• Starbucks (4.4 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Largo Mall (4.9 miles)
• AMC Woodlands Square 20 (7.7 miles)

Transportation

• St Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) (6.6 miles)