Deceased Homeless Persons Honored in Memorial Services

On Sunday, December 21st, the first day of winter and the longest night of the year, hundreds of people gathered in three memorial services throughout Pinellas County to remember those persons who died this year while experiencing homelessness in Pinellas County. A fourth service was held on December 19th in Clearwater. Each of these 30-minute, interfaith services was followed by a free meal in which homeless people sat side-by-side with those who are housed. People attending the services donated new socks and toiletries, which were freely distributed to those in need after the services.

• Rev. Richard Shireman eulogized one of the deceased -- James Mitcham.
• One homeless man who read the Gospel in the service was attacked by a group of teens hours afterwards.

For these stories and more information, please click here.

New Items Posted to Auction Site

Still have last minute shopping to complete? No need to panic. Just click on the eBay Giving Works logo (to the right) to purchase gifts for your loved ones and support a great cause, too! Sports memorabilia, books, art, household items and more. You're just one click away from holiday shopping without the hustle or the hassle! And thanks for your support!

Committee Sets Priorities to Address Family Homelessness

Homeless service providers and others gathered on Friday, December 5th for a special meeting of the HLN/PCCH Joint Services Committee to address the dramatic increase in family homelessness in Pinellas County. An extensive list of immediate needs was identified and prioritized. For more information, click here.

ALERT! Were you evicted from the house or apartment you were renting because the owner defaulted on his or her mortgage and was foreclosed upon? If so, we need to hear from you. Please click here to leave us your story and contact information. For additional assistance for those who may have cases on renter evictions due to foreclosure on the landlord, call the State Office on Homelessness at 850-922-4691.

Volunteers Sought for January Homeless Count

PCCH's Data Management Working Group is seeking volunteers to help count and survey people experiencing homelessness on Monday, January 26th. This Point-In-Time count of the county's homeless population is conducted each year, and the results help to determine federal funding levels, shape public policy and allocate services where they are most needed. To volunteer, click here.