Rapid Rehousing Solution Worth the Time It Took

The following guest column by Gulf Coast President|CEO Mark Pritchett appeared in the January 20 edition of SRQ Daily:

Last week’s announcement of a new rapid rehousing initiative in Sarasota County marks an important milestone in our community’s long-running effort to help chronically homeless adults.

The achievement demonstrates real partnership—among governments, among service providers. It also exemplifies the best of smart private philanthropy. Most importantly, it will provide new hope (and homes) for many of the most difficult-to-assist individuals who experience homelessness here in Sarasota. 

As reported in SRQ, the Herald-Tribune, and elsewhere, the new effort engages the Society of St. Vincent de Paul South Pinellas to bring its operational expertise to bear on a persistent need—the gap in housing and wraparound support to get chronically homeless individuals off our streets and out of emergency shelters. The Society will do everything from identifying and securing suitable housing units to managing custom menus of services so newly housed individuals can stay in their homes. 

Read the rest of Mark's column in SRQ Daily...

You can also find an editorial from the Herald-Tribune here.