There’s no simple blueprint for creating a system of care for homeless adults—but making use of existing dollars is a no-brainer.
Disability and Social Security benefits are available for many who are homeless or at risk of it, but applying can be daunting. The process is difficult, extensive, and mistakes create year-long roadblocks. Local nonprofits have done their best to assist eligible people yet waiting lists have grown to more than 900 names.
With Barancik Foundation support, Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness launched the SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery) Team program to streamline assistance services and improve outcomes. Three years of funding will provide a well-trained team of staff dedicated to outreach and case management, collaborating with a consortium of organizations who provide homeless services.
Specialists will now be able to accelerate opportunities for hope and resolve.
While the program will directly benefit those needing help, the investment will generate a greater return. By streamlining and increasing the amount of available dollars coming in from the Federal and State level, local philanthropic dollars will be saved and leveraged to provide expanded services such as housing, healthcare and mental health treatment.
