Tarpon Alliance for Humanity

"Improving Life Together"

Overview

On May 15, 2007, the Tarpon Alliance for Humanity, Inc. was incorporated as a collaborative effort among community leaders to address the issue of homelessness in Tarpon Springs. The development of this organization has been slow and deliberate, carefully addressing issues of community life and organizational development. Monthly meetings and two planning retreats have been conducted in preparation for this organization's service in the Tarpon Springs area.

Mission Statement

The Tarpon Alliance for Humanity is a community partnership working to prevent and end homelessness with the goal of improving life together.

Program

To accomplish this mission, Tarpon Alliance for Humanity (TAH) has identified the following program activities prioritized for the four-year period, 2008 – 2011:

Service Provider Network

TAH will work to establish a network of service providers addressing the needs of people experiencing homelessness or at risk for homelessness. This activity is a component of our strategy to develop and strengthen a collaborative response network. Service providers targeted for participation in this network include homeless shelters, homeless outreach programs, homeless drop-in centers, food pantries and meal sites, mental health agencies, substance abuse treatment facilities, faith-based organizations, and faith congregations (churches). This collaborative network will focus on: 1) information and resource sharing, 2) data collection, reporting and sharing, and 3) professional development and networking.

Gateway Center

TAH will work to open a gateway center in Tarpon Springs to serve the needs of homeless people and those at-risk for homelessness. It is envisioned this facility, staffed by representatives of our service delivery partners, will serve as a centralized receiving site to which persons may go to find help provided by the system of care coordinated by TAH. For persons in need, the gateway center will: 1) conduct an intake, entering basic client information into TBIN, 2) perform a needs assessment, utilizing the Self-Sufficiency Matrix to measure the client’s level of social functioning upon entry, 3) refer the client to onsite specialized case managers to address specific needs (e.g., veterans issues, domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health, housing, employment, etc.), and 4) provide information and referral service, linking the client to resources in the community that will assist him or her to avert crisis, regain stability and meet various needs. Homeless street outreach teams and local law enforcement agencies may also utilize the day center as a receiving station and a constructive, low-cost alternative to incarceration (when appropriate). Ancillary services such as childcare may also be onsite. The center will be staffed by personnel from community agencies partnering with TAH in this program.

Day Center

TAH will establish a day center in Tarpon Springs. The day center will serve as a safe, welcoming environment for the chronically homeless to retreat from the elements (i.e., harsh summer and winter weather), receive mail, access computers, utilize basic services (e.g. meals, showers, etc.), and connect with caring people who can encourage them to explore and pursue alternatives to street homelessness. This center will be staffed initially by volunteers until sufficient funding is received to pay a full-time employee of TAH.

Housing Creation

TAH will coordinate the development of new housing units within existing facilities and the creation of new permanent housing units. During this four-year period, studies will be undertaken to identify suitable housing strategies, types and locations. Funding sources and development partners will be identified as well. The research, study and analysis will be conducted by members of TAH’s board of directors, aided from time-to-time by consultants.

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Board of Directors

Officers

President
Tom Henderson
St. Timothy Lutheran Church

Vice President
Patricia Weber
Tarpon Springs Housing Authority

Secretary
Michelle Notardonato
Grace Chapel

Treasurer
Carl Von Eigen
Ministerial Association of Tarpon Springs

Directors

Beverly Biliris
City of Tarpon Springs

Kip Corriveau
Salvation Army, North County

Joseph Santini
Community Health Centers

Curt Snare
St. Timothy Lutheran Church

Wanda Weber
The Shepherd Center

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Survey

You are invited to complete the following survey. This survey, administered by students from The University of Tampa, will measure the levels of awareness about homelessness and the Tarpon Alliance for Humanity within the community. The results of this survey will be used as a research tool for the Tarpon Alliance for Humanity. Your input plays an important role in the planning process. Thank you for your participation!