Providing Housing After Hurricane Ian
Boley Center’s works to enrich people’s lives in recovery. The organization focuses on treatment, rehabilitation, employment, and housing services.
Boley Centers is also addressing the housing needs of veterans affected by Hurricane Ian. The organization works with unhoused individuals who have a mental illness and often a substance abuse disorder as well. Staff build relationships with residents and encourage them to receive treatment and medical care. In 2022, Boley Centers renovated many of their apartments, and provided residents with comfortable, safe, and supportive housing.
A Collaborative Approach for Programs
Partnerships are important to Boley Centers, and the partnership with the VA is particularly meaningful. Together, they ensure a streamlined process to identify clients and find housing. Boley Centers works with the VA to assess veterans’ housing and support requirements, and connect them with services once they arrive at Boley.
Boley Centers programs include
Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) is funded by the Department of Labor. The program works with thousands of individuals in the Pinellas, Manatee, Pasco, and Sarasota counties in West Florida. The HVRP staff conducts outreach to identify and connect with veterans, and works with local agencies to ensure access to housing, vocational training, and employment.
Jerry Howe Transitional Housing Program is for unhoused veterans, and offers shelter, support, services, and supervision. The objective is to equip veterans with the skills and support necessary to access and maintain permanent housing, effectively addressing the root causes of homelessness.
Veterans Housing Centers for Substance and Mental Health Treatments
The veteran housing options treat and support veterans in recovery from substance abuse and mental health issues. The three housing facilities include
Morningside Safe Haven is for veterans who are overcoming mental health issues and substance abuse. The facility is a “damp program” model. Sobriety is not required to access services.
Duval Park has 88 units of Permanent Supported Housing for veterans with service-connected disabilities and their families. Duval Park provides supportive services that include job placement, education opportunities, financial assistance, family support, and transportation.
Mastry Apartments: This housing center caters to homeless veteran families with physical disabilities. It Includes two and three-bedroom units with on-site Supported Housing services.
As a BWF-State of Qatar Hurricane Ian Recovery Fund grant recipient, Boley Centers is improving the lives of veterans and their families in counties impacted by Hurricane Ian.
