Pinellas Hope Announces Plans for Future Permanent Supportive Housing

Catholic Charities’ Pinellas Hope announces their Groundbreaking event November 19, 2014 for the next three phases of Permanent Supportive Housing for the Homeless. By Cyndi Letzeisen November, 2014 St. Petersburg, Florida – Catholic Charities, Diocese of St. Petersburg announced today they will be breaking ground for three phases of housing for the homeless. Anticipated competition is expected to be December 2015 and will add an additional five buildings with 76 permanent supportive apartments for the homeless in Pinellas County. Construction with General Home Development Corporation (GHD) begins immediately. Funding for this new housing came from HUD and Pinellas County for Phase III and Florida Housing Finance Corp will help finance Phase IV and V. Pam Long, Director of Homeless Services, is very excited about what the groundbreaking event will mean for the Pinellas Hope residents. Long said “The ongoing growth of this camp has allowed homeless adults to naturally and successfully transition from homelessness, to emergency shelter to permanent housing. With currently 80 units of permanent housing on site, we continually have a waiting list due to the vast need.” More information is expected to be released following the groundbreaking ceremony November 19, 2014. About Catholic Charities Over the past 57 years, Catholic Charities has provided strategic alliances, advocacy and a broad array of social services designed to: Support and preserve families and promote self- sufficiency and social justice. Catholic Charities is an accredited agency and leader in serving the poor and vulnerable. We operate more than 1700 units of housing and are committed to partnering to solve our challenging homelessness issues. Catholic Charities serves all residents of Citrus, Hernando Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties regardless of race, creed, gender, national origin, handicapping condition or socio-economic status. About Pinellas Hope Pinellas Hope, a program of Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg opened on 10 acres of land provided by Bishop Robert N. Lynch and the Diocese of St. Petersburg. It was developed as a pilot program in December 2007 and continues to provide a comprehensive array of services and shelter to homeless individuals. In 2010, Bishop Lynch dedicated and blessed Pinellas Hope II. This expansion of the homeless shelter run by Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg with support from local and state governments includes a community center with permanent offices, kitchen, meeting rooms and a covered dining area replacing temporary trailers. It also includes 80 apartments for permanent supportive housing as residents of Pinellas Hope prepare to return to regular housing. Today, Pinellas Hope continues its mission on 10 acres of land to provide a safe living environment and support for homeless individuals to become self sufficient. Contact: To learn more about Catholic Charities or Pinellas Hope, please contact Cyndi Letzeisen Marketing and Development Coordinator 1213 16th St. North St. Petersburg, Florida 33705 727-893-1314 Office cletzeisen@ccdosp.org www.ccdosp.org