Programs available for those experiencing homelessness.
According to Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative’s Point-In-Time Count conducted in February, there were more than 1,500 homeless people living outdoors, in shelters or in transitional housing in Hillsborough County in 2022, a 4.2% increase from 2020. Increased costs of housing contribute to the growing number.
“In Hillsborough County, Florida on any given night, only .1% of the population is experiencing homelessness,” said Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative CEO Antoinette Hayes-Triplett. Plant City residents having difficulty paying rent, are about to be evicted or have been evicted or are currently homeless have valuable resources available to help with housing, healthcare or food access needs.
Housing Resources
When at risk of being homeless, your priority is finding somewhere safe to stay. Five resources that may be able to help with homelessness include:
• Youth between the ages of 16-22 can apply for the Transitional Living Program for Youth (TLP), run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The TLP provides eligible youth with stable and safe living options for up to 21 months, and support services. To find the center closest to you, call 1-800-621-4000.
• 211 is a nationwide resource available 24/7 to help people get connected to local services. They can help find housing programs, shelters, food banks, and more. To learn more about your local hotline, visit the 211 website or call 2-1-1.
• If you suffer from mental illness and are facing homelessness, the Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) may be able to help. PATH can help with substance abuse issues, housing services, and finding more resources in your area. To find the closest PATH program, visit the PATH website or HUD’s Resource Locator.
• The Homeless Shelter Directory, at www.homelessshelterdirectory.org, has a list of homeless shelters. The closest homeless shelters are Lighthouse Ministries- Men’s Gospel Rescue Mission in Lakeland and Talbot House Ministries of Lakeland.
Healthcare Assistance
Healthcare can be hard to access if homeless. The following resources can help people get the care they need:
• The Health Resources Service Administration has information about health clinics that provide services to individuals and families that cannot afford care. Local health clinics include Plant City Family Care, Tom Lee Community Health Center and Suncoast Mobile Medical Bus. For more information visit www.hrsa.gov.
• The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics helps sponsor a network of clinics across the nation that help those who cannot afford healthcare and medicine. Their website has a map of health providers that offer free or low-cost care. Visit www.nafcclinics.org for more information.
Food and Nutrition Access
People may be eligible for the following food assistance programs if at risk of homelessness or are currently homeless:
• The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides nutrition benefits to low-income individuals and families that are used at stores to purchase food. Even if someone doesn’t have a permanent address or if they live in a shelter, access to SNAP is available. To check eligibility and apply for benefits, visit www.myflfamilies.com.
• Feeding America has a food bank locator that can help individuals and families find the closest food bank to visit for free food distributions. Locally, the United Food Bank of Plant City offers food assistance. For more information about their programs call (813) 764-0625.
• The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) can help families get food, nutrition information and healthcare assistance if eligible. WIC supports the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk. For more information visit www.benefits.gov.
Resources for Veterans
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has programs to help homeless veterans and their families. The Homeless Veterans Assistance Center can help veterans and their families find housing, employment and health and mental health services. An application isn’t necessary to use the assistance center. Call the center at 877-424-3838 or visit the Veterans Crisis Line website to chat online with an agent. Both options are available 24 hours a day.
The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans also has a directory of service providers for veterans experiencing homelessness. For more information about this program visit www.nchv.org.
FIND MORE BENEFITS
An easy-to-use Benefit Finder is available at www.benefits.org to help find other government benefits. The questionnaire takes approximately 10 – 30 minutes to complete and will then give a list of government benefits with links to the agencies’ websites.
