We appreciate your interest in our mission to facilitate solutions to prevent and end hunger and homelessness by coordinating services in Collier County. The Hunger & Homeless Coalition is comprised of numerous local agencies, consumer advocates and volunteers working together to stabilize households and create a comprehensive system of care for Collier residents experiencing hunger and homelessness.
Hunger and Homelessness are complex problems that affect human well-being and the progress of society. The Coalition collaborates with community partners to ensure that we have systems in place to address the needs of people in crisis. Families with children, single adults, teenagers and elderly individuals of all races struggle with the devastating effects of homelessness. With our focus on solutions, the Coalition works from the belief that housing is the first step in stabilizing homeless households. We advocate for homeless prevention resources and combining permanent housing with a pipeline of support services to address the problem of homelessness in our community.
New Federal Definition of Homelessness
On December 5, 2011, HUD published the final rule on the Definition of Homeless in the Federal Register. The rule went into effect on January 4, 2012.
The final rule on the Definition of Homeless establishes four categories under which an individual or family may qualify as homeless: 1) literally homeless; 2) imminent risk of homelessness; 3) homeless under other Federal statutes; and 4) fleeing/attempting to flee domestic violence.
Click here for a full description of these categories as outlined by HUD.
Annual Point-in-Time Count & Get Help Clinics
Date: January 26, 2012
Once again the Hunger & Homeless Coalition is organizing the annual Point in Time Count and Outreach for people experiencing homelessness and at risk of homelessness in Collier County. There are changes in the 2012 survey street count and the location for the Naples Get Help Clinic this year. The Shelter Count will be the same as required by HUD.
The volunteer orientation is scheduled for Wednesday, January 18th to go over details. See attached volunteer registration form for training time & location. To participate, please complete the attached form and return it to me.
The new location for the Get Help Clinic on January 26th in Naples is: Tree of Life Church, 2132 Shadowlawn Dr. Naples, 34112. The Immokalee Clinic will also take place on the 26th and the location is the same as last year. Please see attached flyers for details for Naples and Immokalee and spread the word to people in need of services.
Homelessness in the News
Listen to broadcast of FGCU’s “Gulf Coast Live” discussing Foreclosure Rates and Affordable Housing in Southwest Florida. Originally broadcast May 23, 2011 host, Valarie Edwards, addresses the current housing crisis in southwest Florida with guests David Candler Hicks, a defense attorney with the Collins Center for Public Policy; Nina Banister, spokesperson for the office of the state’s Chief Financial Officer; and Vann Ellison, President/CEO of St. Matthew’s House.
View recently aired 60-Minutes segments about homelessness.
Hard times generation: homeless kids Originally aired March 6, 2011
Finding strength while homeless Web extra for Hard times generation
Hitting hard times Web extra for Hard times generation
The hidden America Originally aired March 6, 2011
MY ADULT SON IS IN NAPLES FLORIDA TO BE WITH HIS CHILDREN AND HE IS HOMELESS. CAN YOU HELP ME FIND A ROOM OR SOMETHING FOR HIM TO LIVE IN UNTIL HE GETS HIMSELF SETTLED? THANK YOU VERY MUCH
I am trying to find out how i can give to the goldengate comm. center for thanksgiiving or to find out if they even have a program for this in our community been here for 20 years just want to help please inform how i can help thank u sallie rae