Impact
HUD awards $6.6M to support Pinellas homeless services
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded $6.58 million to the Pinellas Continuum of Care (CoC) to support homelessness programs in Pinellas County. This represents a $433,499 increase over the previous year’s 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 community’s dedication to addressing homelessness and supporting those in need. The grant will aid in funding housing programs, supportive services and community planning activities aimed at creating sustainable housing solutions.
For more information on the funding and application process, as well as to see previous awards, visit www.PinellasCoC.org/funding.
Karin Stienemeier
April 19, 2025at4:27 pm
Too bad that us smaller organizations out feeding regularly are being harassed by business owners calling the policing on us, chasing us away and issuing trespassing citations.
Gentrification is making it more and more difficult to care for our houseless neighbors.
We can do bettet St Pete!
Hugh Hazeltine
April 19, 2025at6:41 am
The Homeless Leadership Alliance publishes a 66 page PDF document that lists the vast array of services available in Pinellas County. No one needs to go hungry, be without health care, or sleep in public spaces if they accept this kind of Help.
SPD has a division called PATH, Police Assisting The Homeless. They do not take any law enforcement actions but rather offer the assistance that these various organizations provide. The problem is that when a homeless person is advised that PATH can transport them to a shelter they decline.
S. Rose Smith-Hayes
April 18, 2025at5:29 pm
With $2800 a month for a two bedroom apartment, how many homeless folk can be assisted??????
Debi Mazor
April 18, 2025at4:27 pm
Hope this true, or something didn’t get noticed by DOGE. It’s so needed!