TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Suncoast Pinellas News

Coordinated Effort Helps The Homeless Survive In Perilous Times

ADVERTISEMENT

By Mark  Schantz | The Suncoast News

Published: December 27, 2008

TARPON SPRINGS - Almost two years ago, local charities and church groups that help the needy survive, along with the city, formed the Tarpon Alliance For Humanity to coordinate resources.

Formation of the group, a few years before the economy faltered, now seems prophetic. The united effort is needed now more than ever.

Numbers of the working poor and homeless are steadily increasing, alliance president Tom Henderson said.

The alliance is comprised of members of the Tarpon Springs Ministerial Association, local church groups, The Salvation Army, The Shepherd's Center, Veteran's Administration, Tarpon Springs Housing Authority, local police, Community Health Care Centers and the city.

The Alliance meets regularly to coordinate local agencies and churches aiding the growing number of homeless and needy.

"The problem is growing, while resources to help the homeless are drying up," he said.

In about two or three years the Alliance hopes to coordinate its resources in its own headquarters to serve as a much needed one-stop day shelter.

The face of the homeless is ever changing, Henderson said. More former members of the middle class are asking for assistance from the food pantry or for other services. Even individuals who once earned six-figure salaries are out of work, defaulting on their mortgages, with some even living in their cars, he said.

In today's economy, we can be in their place in an instant, he said. Many people who live paycheck to paycheck are being laid off from their jobs and unable to find work, even part-time or seasonal work.

Some homeless are among the working poor, stuck in minimum wage jobs that barely earn them enough to feed themselves or their families, he said.

Members of the Alliance agencies share information, problem-solve and make sure efforts are not duplicated, he said. For example, a representative from the Tarpon Springs Housing Authority informed the Shepherd's Center about a grant for which it might be eligible.

Each month, issues, concerns and problems are raised by various members. With the resources of so many agencies, problems can hopefully be addressed. For example, having Tarpon Springs Police in the alliance along with members of the business community provides a different outlook on the homeless plight.

The Alliance orchestrates food drives to help fill the local food pantry and stock soup kitchens. The group also makes sure the homeless are not forgotten.

To remind everyone of the homeless' plight, St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 812 E. Tarpon Ave., will hold its second annual memorial for homeless who have died during the past year at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21.

Church volunteers will also serve a Christmas Day lasagna dinner to the needy at 1 p.m.

By Jan. 2 it is hoped All Saints Episcopal Church's Grace Chapel will open, on Alt. 19 north of the Anclote Bridge, providing the homeless a place to shower and receive mail.

Any organization or individual seeking to help the Tarpon Alliance for Humanity can call Henderson at 727-642-3826.

Mark Schantz can be reached at 727-815-1075 or mschantz@suncoastnews.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT