By
|
The Tampa Tribune
Published: December 13, 2012
TAMPA --
The philosophy at Homes of Second Chances is to save one
homeless person at a time, but the program might soon be able to do more
than that.
Hillsborough County sheriff's Deputy Steven Donaldson heads the department's homeless initiative. The program follows a simple model: Get someone who owns a vacant home to turn it over for a year.
During that time, a couple of well-vetted homeless people are housed there; in return for their lodging, they help renovate the home with donated materials.
After a story about the project appeared in The Tampa Tribune on Dec. 7, Donaldson heard from a couple in Pasco County who owns three contiguous parcels in Seminole Heights. The property has three full-size houses and some smaller apartments. In all, the parcels can house a dozen people.
The property has been vacant for three years, Donaldson said.
"I was obviously encouraged, in fact enthusiastic, that these people are out there finding me," he said. The property has been in the family since 1927 and is owned free and clear, he said.
The property is in relatively good shape, he said.
"We toured only a portion of it," he said. "It needs some cosmetic renovations, but structurally, it looks very, very sound."
Donaldson's project has three houses already in use that have taken the homeless off the streets, he said. He knows there are vacant houses throughout the city and county that are falling into disrepair and could be of use.
Such homeowners are "a demographic out there that is untapped," he said.
Donaldson's two-year attack on homelessness is designed to save one person at a time from the streets. There's nothing big about the process and no bureaucracy. It's just Donaldson and some volunteers.
Not every homeless person is a good fit for the project. Donaldson screens candidates and puts them through a "boot camp" before they are chosen to participate.
Anyone interested in Homes of Second Chances can contact Donaldson at www.helpcopshelpus.org.
kmorelli@tampatrib.com (813) 259-7760Hillsborough County sheriff's Deputy Steven Donaldson heads the department's homeless initiative. The program follows a simple model: Get someone who owns a vacant home to turn it over for a year.
During that time, a couple of well-vetted homeless people are housed there; in return for their lodging, they help renovate the home with donated materials.
After a story about the project appeared in The Tampa Tribune on Dec. 7, Donaldson heard from a couple in Pasco County who owns three contiguous parcels in Seminole Heights. The property has three full-size houses and some smaller apartments. In all, the parcels can house a dozen people.
The property has been vacant for three years, Donaldson said.
"I was obviously encouraged, in fact enthusiastic, that these people are out there finding me," he said. The property has been in the family since 1927 and is owned free and clear, he said.
The property is in relatively good shape, he said.
"We toured only a portion of it," he said. "It needs some cosmetic renovations, but structurally, it looks very, very sound."
Donaldson's project has three houses already in use that have taken the homeless off the streets, he said. He knows there are vacant houses throughout the city and county that are falling into disrepair and could be of use.
Such homeowners are "a demographic out there that is untapped," he said.
Donaldson's two-year attack on homelessness is designed to save one person at a time from the streets. There's nothing big about the process and no bureaucracy. It's just Donaldson and some volunteers.
Not every homeless person is a good fit for the project. Donaldson screens candidates and puts them through a "boot camp" before they are chosen to participate.
Anyone interested in Homes of Second Chances can contact Donaldson at www.helpcopshelpus.org.
Deputy Steven Donaldson
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
Homeless Initiative
District III Office: (813) 247-0330
Email: sdonalds@hcso.tamp.fl.us
Facebook.com/HelpCopsHelpUs
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
Homeless Initiative
District III Office: (813) 247-0330
Email: sdonalds@hcso.tamp.fl.us
Facebook.com/HelpCopsHelpUs
HelpCopsHelpUs.org
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