Noteboom The Law Firm

Homeless Emergency Project to Expand in Clearwater, Helping Vets With PTSD

Last week, ground was broken for a new addition to the Homeless Emergency Project (HEP) in Clearwater, Florida with an expected opening date in spring of 2012. The HEP is a not-for-profit outreach group for homeless veterans and provides aid to 340 people, including homeless veterans and their families.

In addition to providing emergency housing, it provides transition and permanent housing. Offered support services include:

 

• case management;
• dental and medical aid;
• classes focused on food, nutrition, and education; and
• job assistance.

 

The new addition will spread over 3 acres and come with a $3.5 million price tag. The center will cover 2,500 square feet and provide 32 bedrooms for both male and female veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Additionally, programs intended to bring veterans together will be implemented, and a new technology room will aid in this endeavor. This new addition is only step 1 in a 5-step plan to build 112 more units and expand the HEP to more than 8 acres. These new additions will be dedicated solely to aid veterans with PTSD.

There are approximately 6,600 homeless veterans in the county, making programs like the HEP a significant asset to the community.