1120 North Betty Lane

Clearwater, Fl 33755

(727) 442-9041

Housing the Homeless

 The Homeless Emergency Project, is a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization, a homeless shelter dedicated to providing homeless families and individuals with housing, food, clothing, and support services necessary to obtain self-sufficiency and an improved quality of life.

Services provided include:

We house over 185 people daily. Services are available to any homeless person. However, we try to target residents of Pinellas County. We have provided these services in Clearwater for 30 years.

Intensive case management services are provided to insure the success of families attempting to reach self-sufficiency. Parents are encouraged to enroll in PTEC, St. Petersburg Jr. College, or Clearwater High School.

We work together with the City of Clearwater, Pinellas County, State of Florida, local hospitals, law enforcement agencies, schools, churches, food banks, and many other organizations to help combat the causes and consequences of homelessness. We are affiliated with the Pinellas County Coalition for the Homeless in this effort.

Currently, we are in the process of constructing 16 new apartments, which will provide permanent housing for homeless families with disabilities. Approximately 76 people' daily will benefit from this new program, which is scheduled for completion in July 1998. These families who are in danger from separation, will be able to progress from our Emergency Shelter program into this permanent housing program ( 1 - 2 years ) without disrupting components they have in place for success.

Last year we received approximately 8,500 requests for shelter. Each day we receive at least 10 calls a day from homeless families seeking shelter. In spite of the loss of our transitional housing program, in 1997 we housed 1530 individuals. This includes 1354 adults and 176 children. The magnitude of the need is reflected in the growing number of individuals and families faced with homelessness each day. Because of this great need, we look to the grand opening of the new apartments for families with great anticipation!

Our client population is not limited to the typical transient individual. In fact, those who come to the shelter seeking housing and support include those from many walks of life. All of our clients fall below the 50% of median income, and many come to the shelter unemployed and penniless. Those able to work are required to secure employment within three days of entering the program. Approximately 98% of these clients are employed within the required three-day period. Many of our clients are single mothers either unmarried or divorced with one or two children, many who have never completed high school and never worked to support their family. Because of welfare reform, these mothers are being encouraged to seek employment or further their education. In addition, approximately 25% of our client population suffer from mental illness. These individuals seek guidance, encouragement, and support in order lead self-sufficient lives. It is our goal to help the homeless help themselves, no matter what their reason for homelessness may be.

Other webpages for Homeless Emergency Project