About HEP – Homeless Emergency Project – Clearwater
The Homeless Emergency Project in Clearwater, Florida has a pyramid model for providing services to the Tampa Bay Area. This includes first meeting basic needs such as housing and nutrition, then meeting mental and physical healthcare needs. After those vital needs are met then community resources and self sufficiency programs are introduced. This approach to mental health, addiction, and the needs of the vulnerable helps them thrive rather than just survive.
As soon as an individual makes contact with HEP, wheels are put in motion to help meet their immediate needs. Clean, warm clothing, a hot nutritious meal, and a safe shelter from the elements are provided within the first day.
The next step in care is to assess and start to address the mental and physical health needs. This includes a referral to a Dental and Wellness Center for an onsite mental and physical health assessment. This includes deciding on a treatment plan for those with addiction, substance abuse, and behavioral issues.
A meeting with a case manager will occur during the first three days of treatment to allow for the creation of a personalized care action plan. Support services and resources for benefits assistance, food stamps, child care, health insurance, transportation, housing and more will be offered within the first month of care.
The United Way has helped fund an Adult Education and Workforce Development Center to offer educational and vocational resources and training to adults, including veterans residing at HEP, and in the local community.
They claim an 89% success rate for residents who move on to independent housing after graduation from their program. This is attributed to the comprehensive and wide array of services they offer to meet as many needs as possible.
There are emergency shelters for men and women, veterans, and families. They have a children’s learning center near the pathways to employment program so families can learn and grow together. There is a housing complex and community resources offered on campus specifically to meet the needs of Veterans.
There is a thrift store, community garden, bike recycling and distribution center and more right on campus for residents and others to access as many resources as possible in one place.
The Homeless Emergency Project is a 501 Charity and runs on grants and donations. They have a 4-Star rating on Charity Navigator. It is highly regarded by those who have used their services and those who have worked there as well.
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