HUD awards $6.6M to support Pinellas homeless services
Summary
This represents a $433,499 increase over the previous years funding.The funding will be distributed among several organizations, including Boley Centers, Community Action Stops Abuse (CASA) and the Homeless Leadership Alliance of Pinellas (HLA). These organizations provide services such as permanent housing, emergency shelter and supportive programs for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.According to the 2024 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, at least 2,110 people were experiencing homelessness in Pinellas County on a single night, including 351 children and 208 seniors. The PIT Count is conducted annually to assess the state of homelessness in the area.Boley Centers operates 54 housing locations across the county, offering permanent supportive housing for individuals with mental illnesses, substance use disorders, and veterans. CASA provides emergency shelter and services for survivors of domestic violence, serving approximately 500 individuals annually. The HLA coordinates the CoC and oversees the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) for the region.Kathleen Beckman, Chair of the Pinellas CoC, stated in a prepared statement that the increased funding reflects the communitys dedication to addressing homelessness and supporting those in need.