Leaders in transformative housing

more than a good cause

providing a fundamental
Human need

At The Porchlight Foundation, we believe in a world where housing provides not just shelter, but safety,  transformation, and community.  As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, our mission is to develop and build multi-family housing units for other non-profits that serve those who would otherwise be homeless without intervention.

We believe housing is a virtuous cause and a moral and ethical endeavor that provides the fundamental human need for shelter in creative and life-enhancing ways.
Apartment complex courtyard

Transformation Through Light
and Space

The spaces we live in shape our well-being. That’s why every Porchlight project is designed and executed with a high sensibility to wellness and a strong connection to the outdoors. Our developments include abundant light and space, private courtyards, wraparound porches, and professional guidance and support to allow for a successful transition into permanent, stable housing.
a scalable approach

Our Expertise

The Porchlight Foundation benefits from the extensive experience of the executives of Framework Group, a Tampa-based real estate development and general contracting firm. Framework owns and operates over 2,000 multi-family housing units throughout the Southeast, and is among the most prolific developers in Florida.

This infrastructure allows Porchlight to take advantage of a scalable and sophisticated approach to the creation of not-for-profit housing. We leverage the scale and buying power of our large-scale commercial development enterprise to maximize every dollar and deliver housing solutions that rival high-end residential developments in design and quality.
Southeast map of United States with Framework locations
LightIng The Way

Make It Happen.

Want to learn more about how we can work together to create transformative housing?
Two team members collaborating

partnering to succeed

Porchlight leads a catalyst group of professionals and organizations who apply their unique skills to develop and build high-quality non-profit housing. Our development management and construction management services are provided pro bono, including land acquisition, site due diligence, approvals and permitting, building design coordination, and consultant management. Other soft costs like legal, engineering, and architecture are partially or fully donated creating the greatest possible impact for each project.

Our Sponsors

Porchlight’s mission is only possible with sponsorship from professionals who generously donate their time and talents.

meet our team

Our team of professionals is passionate about creating communities where people can thrive. With expertise across real estate development, construction, and architecture, we bring a design and detail-oriented approach to every Porchlight development.
Phillip Smith
Co-Founder & President
Phillip Smith
Co-Founder & President

Phillip leads the organization’s strategy to design, develop, and build housing for non-profit partners who have a housing need. Phillip is also the Founder and President of Framework Group, LLC, a Tampa-based multi-family development and general contracting company, and brings a keen focus on planning and design, seeking to provide the highest functioning, most creatively executed housing at all points on the pricing spectrum.

Colleen Smith
Co-Founder & Director of Development
Colleen Smith
Co-Founder & Director of Development

Colleen has a passion for helping the underserved in our community. Colleen is also the President of August & Ivy Educational Consulting which is a boutique educational consulting firm that advises families and students on finding and applying to the college that best suits their unique skills, social needs, and academic goals. She has worked with students for the past 30 years in many capacities including social work, teaching, and advising.

James Bote
Treasurer
James Bote
Treasurer

James Bote serves as Treasurer of The Porchlight Foundation. He is also the SVP of Finance and Accounting at Framework Group, in his role, James oversees the company’s finance and accounting operations and supports the development and construction of housing projects from planning through completion. He is passionate about supporting organizations that strengthen communities and expand access to stable, high-quality housing.

Marilyn Healy
Marilyn Healy

With over 30 years of experience as a complex transactions real estate attorney, Marilyn Mullen Healy has developed an extensive background in commercial and multi-family real estate. Marilyn concentrates her practice in the areas of commercial/multi-family real estate transactions, and business and governmental law: land use, zoning, workforce/affordable housing, public/private partnerships, and finance matters. Throughout her career, Marilyn has been actively involved, through leadership and volunteer roles, in the Tampa Bay community and is strongly committed to the mission and growth of The Porchlight Foundation.

Jeffery Cash
Jeffery Cash

Jeffery is the founder of Trinity Sky Advisors, and sources debt and equity for real estate developers and investors. He spent 35 years in Real Estate Banking, with the last 25 years managing the Southeast Real Estate Division for Regions Bank. He has financed over $75B of real estate development, working with most major developers and equity providers in the U.S. Jeffery is a passionate giver and has served on a variety of community and corporate boards.

Kathy Connor
Kathy Connor

With over 40 years of faithful service to the city of Tampa, Rev. Kathy Conner and her husband, Rev. Fitz Conner lead First Presbyterian Church in Tampa. She is currently the Board Chair for Created Tampa, a founding and current Board Member of Mary Lee’s House, and a Junior League Sustainer. Kathy has also served Young Life Africa/Middle East for the past 30 years. Kathy and Fitz helped launch Matthew 25, a First Presbyterian outreach devoted to meeting the needs of men and women living on the streets of Tampa.

Katherine Cowley
Secretary
Katherine Cowley
Secretary

Katherine Cowley is Porchlight’s Secretary, and through the process of helping establish this non-profit, she developed a passion for housing those in need. Katherine has served in a variety of volunteer capacities in her community and for the city at large. Her support for The Porchlight Foundation is rooted in her desire to see the disadvantaged gain an opportunity to grow through the provision of safe and affordable housing.