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North Central Florida – The North Central Florida Continuum of Care (CoC) is set to commence the 2025 Annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, an initiative aimed at documenting and understanding the scope of homelessness across the region. This year’s PIT will take place from January 28th through January 30th, operating daily between 5:30 AM and 10:00 PM at various locations across Alachua, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy, and Putnam Counties.
The PIT Count is part of a nationwide effort mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and executed by local CoCs. Over three days, 130 trained volunteers, along with CoC staff and public safety personnel, will engage with individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Using a survey tool, they will collect a wide range of data. The findings will be compiled into a comprehensive public report to inform policy enhancements and improve service efforts.
"The Point-in-Time Count is more than just a data collection effort—it’s a powerful opportunity to engage with our community and understand the challenges faced by individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Together, we can use this knowledge to drive meaningful solutions and create pathways to housing stability for everyone in our community." -Keanna Johnson, CoC Director
BROWARD COUNTY, FL - The Broward County Point-in-Time Count will be conducted over a three-day period today, Thursday, January 23 through Saturday, January 25, 2025. Broward's Housing Options, Solutions and Supports Division, in collaboration with the TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness, Broward Sheriff's Office, police departments from the cities of Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Davie, Hollywood, Margate, Fort Lauderdale, and Miramar, and more than 100 community volunteers are participating in this annual collection of data of unhoused individuals living in Broward County.
The Homeless Continuum of Care (CoC) is a network of organizations, advocates, residents, and businesses that plan programs to implement a full range of emergency, transitional and permanent housing, along with prevention and other services to help alleviate homelessness in Broward County. The Point-in-Time Count is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and is performed annually by CoCs nationwide during the month of January. The survey is intended to provide an up-to-date snapshot about the needs of persons experiencing homelessness and is an opportunity for the community to engage in efforts to end homelessness.
Gainesville, Florida – November 18, 2024 – The TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness is pleased to announce the award of $291,473 in grant funding to three North Central Florida nonprofit organizations. These funds have been allocated in direct response to Florida Statute 125.0231 (House Bill 1365) and are dedicated to addressing the critical issue of unsheltered homelessness by expanding emergency shelter capacity in the region.
Through this funding, 40 emergency shelter beds will be supported across Alachua, Bradford, and Putnam Counties, providing essential resources to individuals and families in crisis:
All shelter beds funded by this initiative represent new capacity for the community, addressing a shortage of emergency housing options. This expansion supports the region’s coordinated efforts to provide immediate and critical shelter services to those most in need.
“Unsheltered homelessness remains one of the most pressing challenges our communities face,” said Claudia Tuck, LCSW, Director of Alachua County Community Support Services and Chair of the CoC Leadership Council. “These grants reflect a tangible step forward in ensuring that individuals and families have a safe place to stay while working toward housing. We are honored to partner with our emergency shelter providers in this critical endeavor.”
About TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness
TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness serves as the Keys to Home Continuum of Care (CoC) Lead Agency for Alachua, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy and Putnam Counties. Through our commitment to ending homelessness in the community, we oversee the homeless response system funding and strategy in these counties and connect individuals experiencing homelessness with information and resources. Visit www.keystohome.org to learn more about the CoC.
GAINESVILLE, FL – July 30, 2024 – TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness (TaskForce) is pleased to announce the allocation of $776,588.58 in grant awards for the 2024-2025 Florida Department of Children and Families funding cycle. These funds will support eight local non-profit organizations committed to delivering essential services that address homelessness throughout Alachua, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy and Putnam counties. The awarded grants will enable critical services such as homeless prevention (rental and mortgage assistance), rapid rehousing, emergency shelter, diversion programs, case management, and other crucial support services.
Organizations and Grant Awards:
Another Way, Inc. - $35,000.00
Alachua County Coalition for the Homeless and Hungry, Inc. (Grace Marketplace) - $193,300.00
Catholic Charities Bureau, Inc. - $55,776.80 (Alachua County) / $142,005.70 (Putnam County) - $197,782.50
Family Promise of Gainesville Florida, Inc. - $150,800.00
Lee Conlee House, Inc. - $19,025.00
Neighborhood Housing and Community Development Corporation - $64,398.08
Peaceful Paths, Inc -. $25,000.00
St. Francis House, Inc. - $91,283.00
These grant awards are part of the CoC Leadership Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting comprehensive and innovative solutions to address homelessness. Additional awards totaling $688,507.00 are also planned to be issued to three non-profits this year for permanent housing and domestic violence services through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development collaborative application. The entirety of this funding will enable these organizations to expand essential services to individuals and families in need. For more information, visit www.keystohome.org.
About the Keys to Home Continuum of Care
The Keys to Home Continuum of Care program, proudly provided by TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness as of July 1st, is dedicated to reducing and ending homelessness in Alachua, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy and Putnam counties. Through collaborative partnerships with the community, we strive to provide comprehensive support and innovative solutions to those experiencing homelessness.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, July 25th, 2024 — TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness has released the findings from an analysis of its Residential Stability Coordination (RSC) Program clients served during the past fiscal year. The analysis, which focused on a limited set of public services and risk elements from a standard intake assessment tool, reveals substantial cost savings for public taxpayers of $28,985.54 per person per year.
Background:
The TaskForce RSC program is funded by the Florida Department of Children and Families and administered by the Broward Behavioral Health Coalition, to effectively shorten the gap in housing services for people experiencing homelessness with severe and persistent mental health challenges. Its primary objective is to help participants regain permanent housing stability.
The program provides housing navigation and supportive services, including transportation, linkage to behavioral and physical health services, mail services, laundry services, meal services, move-in costs, and more. It serves individuals and families experiencing unsheltered homelessness or those at imminent risk, including those approaching discharge from state-funded treatment programs. Additionally, the program collaborates with law enforcement and fire-rescue agencies to identify unsheltered individuals in need of stabilization services.
Untreated mental health challenges among individuals experiencing housing instability pose a significant cost burden on public resources. The analysis considered public cost areas such as:
Key Findings:
Each client connected to the TaskForce's RSC services is expected to save public taxpayers an estimated minimum of $28,985.54 per year, per individual served. The cumulative savings for public taxpayers in 2024 is estimated to already be at $463,768.68, achieved only by helping this small group of participants gain housing stability during the last fiscal year. In stark contrast, the estimated one-time cost to end homelessness for each participant is $2,755.55.
If you are experiencing housing instability in Broward County, you can call the Homeless Helpline at 954-563-HELP (4357).
Contributors:
GAINESVILLE, FL – June 26, 2024 – The Keys to Home Continuum of Care (CoC) is proud to announce the selection of Michael Blessing as its new CoC Director. In his role, Michael will collaborate with community leaders, businesses, and resource providers to address homelessness through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions.
Prior to joining Keys to Home, Michael was a Regional Director for the Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health at the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). In this role, he oversaw various substance use and mental health programmatic initiatives that integrated supportive housing, care coordination, and system of care oversight. Before being appointed to his position at DCF, Michael was instrumental in founding and leading the Department of Housing at LSF Health Systems. During his tenure as Director of Housing at LSF, Michael served on the Keys to Home Governance Board and held the position of CoC Board Chairman. Michael is an alumnus of Oak Hall School in Gainesville. He earned both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Sociology from the University of Florida.
"We are thrilled to welcome Michael to the TaskForce as we prepare to assume responsibility of the Keys to Home Continuum of Care," said Jacob Torner, Vice President of Programs for the TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness. "His dedication to data-driven approaches coupled with his comprehensive understanding of housing interventions and mental health challenges make him the perfect fit for this role. We are confident that Michael will advance our efforts to reduce and end homelessness in the North Central Florida community."
For more information about the Keys to Home Continuum of Care and our initiatives, please visit www.keystohome.org.
About the Keys to Home Continuum of Care
The Keys to Home Continuum of Care, proudly provided by TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness as of July 1st, is dedicated to reducing and ending homelessness in Alachua, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy and Putnam counties. Through collaborative partnerships with the community, we strive to provide comprehensive support and innovative solutions to those experiencing homelessness.
GAINESVILLE, FL – April 17th, 2024 – The TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness (TaskForce), a Florida nonprofit organization founded in 2003 dedicated to ending homelessness, is honored to announce its selection as the new Continuum of Care (CoC) Lead Agency for North Central Florida, encompassing five Florida counties known as the “Keys to Home FL-508 Region”. The transition process has begun and takes full effect on July 1st, 2024, following a unanimous decision by CoC members during an April 15th vote. United Way of North Central Florida will continue to serve in its role as current Lead Agency until the transition process is complete. "We are excited to partner with TaskForce and look forward to building a strong collaboration in service to our community," said Amber Miller, President and CEO, United Way of North Central Florida.
As the new Lead Agency, the TaskForce will expand its existing efforts to oversee HUD and DCF funding for the coordination of services and resource allocation aimed at preventing and ultimately ending homelessness within the region. The organization will work closely with CoC service providers, local governments, other non-profits, and community stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of existing programs, introduce supportive and innovative solutions, and ensure that resources are utilized efficiently to serve those in need. "Being selected as the Continuum of Care Lead Agency is not just an honor; it is a pivotal responsibility that we accept with determination and humility," said Mikal Cartier, CEO, TaskForce.
The organization’s Vice President of Programs will work closely with the local community to hire a new CoC Director and a cabinet of professional staff. "This designation as Lead Agency empowers us to lead the charge in transforming the landscape of homelessness in North Central Florida. We are excited to collaborate with United Way, the CoC Leadership Council, and the dedicated service providers throughout the region. Our mission is clear—to ensure that every individual and family in the community has access to the critical support they need to regain stability and dignity. With House Bill 1365 signed by the Governor, there could not be a more appropriate time for us to step in than right now," said Jacob Torner, Vice President of Programs, TaskForce.
The TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness has outlined four initial priorities for its tenure as the CoC Lead Agency, including:
The organization also plans to launch a series of community forums and stakeholder meetings in the coming months to gather input and strengthen community ties. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to empower service providers while enhancing transparency and public participation in the CoC's efforts. With the unanimous endorsement by the CoC members and a strategic roadmap in place, the TaskForce is set to begin its journey as the new Continuum of Care Lead Agency for North Central Florida.
For more information, follow updates on
www.keystohome.org.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, January 16 th, 2024 — In a groundbreaking initiative to address the critical needs of residents experiencing homelessness, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners, Broward County Human Services Department, and Broward County Transportation Department have expanded collaboration with TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness to launch a program aimed at enhancing access to critical services for people using and living within the transportation system. This effort truly employs innovative strategies to provide more immediate support and resources.
Key Features of the Pilot Initiative:
Comprehensive Outreach: The joint efforts will focus on identifying and engaging individuals experiencing homelessness in and around transit terminals, benches, properties and buses. A dedicated outreach team will connect with these individuals and assess their unique needs to link them with the most appropriate resources.
Housing Solutions: TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness, in coordination with Broward County Human Services and other providers, will work towards providing housing solutions tailored to the specific circumstances of those identified during outreach efforts. This may include transitional housing, temporary shelter, and/or permanent housing options. Broward County has committed to providing ten (10) ongoing permanent housing subsidies with case management services for participants of this initiative.
Mental Health and Substance Use Professionals: Recognizing the critical intersection of homelessness and mental health, the collaboration incorporates licensed mental health professionals from the TaskForce team who will work on buses and at the transit terminals to offer support, clinical interventions and resources to individuals struggling with mental health challenges.
It's important to note that this pilot program represents just a small part of the comprehensive plan for continuous quality improvement and accessibility at TaskForce. The organization’s dedication to improving the quality of life for vulnerable community members remains steadfast and is working collectively toward a future where homelessness no longer occurs in the community.
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness in Broward County, you can call the helpline at (954) 563-HELP (4357).
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, December 14th, 2023 — The Broward County Board of County Commissioners and 311 Call Center has expanded collaboration with TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness to launch a pilot program aimed at enhancing access and after-hours coverage for the Homeless Helpline Service.
The collaborative effort underscores the commitment of Broward County to proactively address the challenges faced by its vulnerable population of people experiencing homelessness. This effort truly employs innovative strategies to provide more immediate support and resources.
Key Features of the Pilot Program:
Expanded Access and Availability: Recognizing the importance of reaching a live person when experiencing a housing crisis, the Homeless Helpline Services provided by TaskForce will operate every weekday from 5:00pm to 7:00pm and from 8:00am to 7:00pm on weekends beginning December 15th, 2023. The data collected during the pilot phase will be used to inform future expansion actions.
Enhanced Support: To cater to the diverse population within Broward County, the TaskForce Helpline Service are staffed by highly trained and experienced human service professionals who possess significant knowledge and skills to effectively support someone experiencing homelessness. Those who may call the helpline for support will now have an opportunity to be directly connected to the front-line organization that responds to homelessness on the street every day.
Integration of Technological Solutions: The pilot program will incorporate cutting-edge technology to streamline the helpline service, ensuring an efficient process that remains increasingly responsive to the needs of those experiencing homelessness in our community.
"We believe that everyone deserves a safe and supportive space to speak with someone when going through a crisis such as homelessness, and this pilot program is a testament to our commitment to ending homelessness in Broward County through comprehensive strategies. By expanding the Helpline Services at TaskForce, we are taking a significant step toward ensuring that help is just a call away for those in need," said Mikal Cartier, CEO of TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness.
It's important to note that this pilot program represents just a small part of the comprehensive plan for continuous quality improvement and accessibility at TaskForce. The organization’s dedication to improving the quality of life for vulnerable community members remains steadfast and is working collectively toward a future where homelessness no longer occurs in the community. If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness in Broward County, you can call the helpline at (954) 563-4357.
On December 11, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness, Inc. will be facilitating Wellview Care at North Fork Park, 200 NW 18th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale. The organization is sponsoring and distributing winter care packages in the form of backpacks filled with blankets and essential supplies to support individuals and families facing homelessness in Broward County.
Established in 2020, Wellview Care, a nonprofit center specializing in STD testing and treatment, originally serving Broward, has expanded its reach to include Palm Beach County and has plans for further expansion. Through the cultivation of community relationships, Wellview Care seeks to actively address the crucial need for prevention and intervention in the spread of STDs.
Adolfo Lorenzo, the Founder and President of Wellview Care, consistently emphasizes: "Fostering the strength of our community in need is more than a decision; it embodies a dedication to resilience, compassion, and the steadfast conviction that, collectively, we have the capacity to conquer any obstacle. Amid adversity, we remain united, persistently pursuing a brighter tomorrow for all, never relenting in our commitment."
In response to cold weather alerts, TaskForce has traditionally organized impromptu coat drives to protect those living on the streets from extreme temperatures. With Broward County declaring a cold-weather emergency in 2023, temporary shelters were set up. Jacob Torner, Vice President of Programs, expressed gratitude to their community partner, stating, "Through the generosity of our community partner, these backpacks filled with blankets and critical supplies will offer more than warmth; they will provide a tangible expression of compassion. In each bag, we can forge a connection that transforms shared empathy into a beacon of hope against the cold winds of despair."
Since its establishment in 1999, TaskForce has been committed to providing comprehensive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. With support from various government, non-profit, and charity organizations, TaskForce offers a path for people to regain permanent housing stability and access critical healthcare and human services.
HOLLYWOOD, FL, December 5, 2023 – TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness, Inc., is kicking off its Cheers for Charity fundraiser at the popular, Mickey Byrne’s Irish Pub in Hollywood Florida on December 20th, 2023. Customers who dine at Mickey’s between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. that evening will have the opportunity to help a neighbor experiencing homelessness just by ordering dinner. For every customer who presents the event flyer, the restaurant will donate 25 percent of the food and beverage sale from the bill to TaskForce. Donations from the event will be used to help with move-in costs associated with securing permanent housing for families and individuals who are currently homeless in Broward County.
Mickey Byrne’s Irish Pub has a long history of supporting important causes in the community and abroad. Since its establishment in November 2008, this local favorite has partnered with charitable organizations to participate in sixty fundraising events raising more than $100,000 for charities like St. Baldricks Childhood Cancer. Mickey’s mission is to bring an authentic piece of modern Ireland to South Florida and cultivate a legacy of compassion for those in need.
“Hollywood has been my home for many years, and I see how people are struggling, especially in the last few years. When I think about families, and the children being on the street, it is heartbreaking. So, when I heard about TaskForce and what they do, I wanted to help.” – Mark Rowe, Owner, Mickey Byrne’s Irish Pub.
In 2023, TaskForce has seen an increase of 110 percent more families each month living on the streets compared to 2022. For 20 years, TaskForce has secured permanent housing and provided supportive services to over 180,000 people. Since January this year, TaskForce has placed 140 households in permanent housing and made more than 3,600 referrals to shelter programs.
“We are truly grateful for the compassion and support of businesses like Mickey Byrne’s Irish Pub in our community that exemplify the power of unity and kindness." - Jacob Torner, Vice President, Programs.
Since 1999, TaskForce has been providing comprehensive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Through funding from various government, non-profit and charity organizations, the organization provides a path for people to regain permanent housing stability and connect to critical healthcare and human services.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, November 15th, 2023 — TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to ending homelessness in Broward County has been officially recognized for a second year in a row by Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody and her office for its unwavering commitment to identifying and disrupting human trafficking.
The 100 Percent Club is a partnership between organizations and the Florida Office of the Attorney General that recognizes organizations for taking proactive steps to train employees on the signs of human trafficking, and for providing quick reference resources to effectively report human trafficking.
In a commendation letter issued by The Attorney General’s Statewide Council on Human Trafficking, the TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness was appreciated for its exemplary efforts in the fight against human trafficking, particularly in the context of regularly training staff members on how to address and prevent this heinous crime within the vulnerable population of people residing unsheltered in Broward County.
TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness has implemented innovative programs and initiatives to raise awareness, provide resources, and offer support to individuals at risk of falling victim to human trafficking. The organization's commitment to education, outreach, and increasing access to housing has played a pivotal role in creating a safer environment for the residents of Broward County.
"We are deeply honored to receive this recognition from Attorney General Ashley Moody and her office. It underscores the importance of our collective efforts in addressing the complex issue of human trafficking within the vulnerable population of people who experience homelessness," said Jacob Torner, Vice President of Programs at TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness. "This acknowledgment motivates us to redouble our efforts and continue working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in our community."
TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness extends its gratitude to Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody and all its partners for their ongoing support and commitment to combating human trafficking. The organization looks forward to continuing its collaborative efforts with government agencies, law enforcement, and the community to create lasting change that ends homelessness and human trafficking in Broward County.
LAUDERHILL, FL, October 24, 2023 – On October 27, 2023, Mikal Cartier, Vice President of Operations, will succeed Carl W. Falconer as the new CEO of TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness (TaskForce). Mr. Cartier has worked for the organization for nine years and has overseen the organization’s strategic financial and operational goals for the past five years. He has over 20 years of experience in finance and more than a decade of experience in operations. Mr. Cartier’s proven ability to harness and cultivate talent within the organization and successfully lead the Development and Operations Departments at TaskForce yielded unwavering support from Mr. Falconer, who recommended him for the position.
“I am so happy for Mikal Cartier to be promoted into this position. Mikal has been with TaskForce for a long time and has the experience and passion to keep the organization growing, prospering, and providing quality services to our neighbors in Broward County,” said Mr. Falconer.
During his time at TaskForce, Mr. Falconer expanded the organization’s services by implementing evidence-based Housing Navigation programs in collaboration with Broward County, the City of Fort Lauderdale, City of Hollywood, and Broward Behavioral Health Coalition which to date has placed 210 people from the streets into permanent housing. Under Mr. Falconer’s leadership the organization has grown to become the leading agency serving people struggling with homelessness in Broward County. Mr. Falconer will continue his mission to end homelessness as the new CEO at Homeward Bound of Western North Carolina in Ashville.
“In just two years, Carl Falconer helped TaskForce increase capacity so we could take the next steps needed to better serve our community. It has been an honor to work with him and I look forward to continuing the progress he started,” Mikal Cartier, Vice President of Operations and CEO Elect, TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness.
Since 1999, the TaskForce has been providing comprehensive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Through funding from various government, non-profit and charity organizations, the organization provides a path for people to regain permanent housing stability and get connected to critical healthcare and human services.
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TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness is registered in Florida, Solicitation License CH30913.