The Homeless Empowerment Program (HEP) offers individuals and families experiencing homelessness more than a safe place to sleep—it offers a fresh start. Homelessness often brings layers of trauma, instability, and isolation. HEP’s mission is to ensure that people in Pinellas County have access to the housing, food, clothing, and supportive services they need to rebuild their lives with dignity.
How PCF Support Strengthens HEP’s Mission
Support from PCF plays a vital role in this work. A recent PCF multi-year operating grant helped subsidize staffing and program supplies for HEP’s Emergency Shelter Program, strengthening the frontline team who welcome each guest and provide the compassionate, individualized support that anchors every step toward stability.
Emergency Shelter and Rapid Rehousing Services
HEP’s low-barrier emergency shelter and rapid rehousing programs offer 110 beds for adults and families with children. With no requirements for sobriety or mandatory programming, individuals are met without judgment and with immediate access to comprehensive services.
Through the Coordinated Entry System and outreach referrals, those with the highest needs are connected to case management, benefits assistance, meal services, workforce development, and on-site medical, dental, mental health, and wellness care. Partnerships with organizations like Advantage Mental Health, PERC, and Clearwater Free Clinic help ensure each guest can access essential resources during an average 60-day stay.
Measurable Progress and Increased Stability
In 2024, 83% of families exiting emergency shelter moved into stable, permanent housing. As rising housing costs continue to challenge guests, HEP has strengthened partnerships with local landlords, expanded access to affordable units, and introduced workshops to enhance financial literacy and housing readiness.
Expanded Access to Healthcare and Wellness Support
Wellness services have also grown significantly. In the last year, 819 individuals established a Primary Care Physician, and more than 1,000 accessed expedited diagnostic and prescription support. Participant feedback shows that over 80% feel more confident navigating their health needs, progress made possible through education, personalized guidance, and consistent follow-up.
Lessons From the Latest Grant Cycle
This last grant cycle brought important learnings as HEP adapted to evolving community needs.
Affordable Housing Challenges
The shortage of affordable housing led to enhanced landlord partnerships, increased move-in assistance, and plans to develop a new family housing complex.
Healthcare Navigation Needs
Participants shared how overwhelming the healthcare system felt before joining HEP, prompting the organization to expand its healthcare navigation services and integrate more one-on-one wellness education.
Crisis Response and Resilience
In the wake of Hurricane Helena, HEP scaled its shelter and wellness programs to meet urgent needs, demonstrating the resilience and flexibility essential to effective crisis response.
Kimberly’s Story: A Journey Toward Strength and Independence
At the heart of this work are the individuals whose lives are transformed each day. Kimberly, a Navy Veteran, shared her experience in her own words:
“I was in the Navy for three years when I met a man that I would later marry. Everything about our relationship was normal until he started struggling with substance abuse issues. That’s when he became violent, and I found myself having to flee the relationship. Scared and unsure where to go, I called the VA hotline, which directed me to HEP. In November of 2023, I was admitted into their Emergency Housing Program.
I was at the lowest point of my life when I arrived at HEP, but being here helped me move forward. My Case Manager walked me through all the legal issues with my ex-husband and provided a caring environment during this major transition period in my life. The nurses taught me how to manage my health issues, including monitoring my medication and appointments. Their support was invaluable as I navigated healthcare independently for the first time.
At the Workforce Development Center, I attended a financial literacy class that taught me how to save and manage my money. Being a Veteran gave me access to the Veterans Clubhouse, which was a nice space to relax and unwind whenever I felt stressed.
I left HEP’s program in May and now rent a place all on my own. I even had the chance to shop at the Thrift Store using a voucher for furniture and decor for my new home. I am so grateful that HEP helped me learn to stand on my own two feet. I am a stronger woman because of this place.”
Why Continued Support Matters
Kimberly’s story is a powerful reminder of why support for organizations like HEP is crucially needed. With every guest served and every step forward taken, this organization helps people move from crisis to stability, and into a future they can once again call their own.
With continued funding like the operating grant from PCF, HEP remains a lifeline of safety, empowerment, and hope for our community.
Support HEP and Other Impactful Organizations
Support impactful services and organizations like HEP at PCF Donor Page.
Email: Giving@PinellasCF.orgto connect with our team today.
For more information on our Grant Programs Here.
