MANATEE, Fla. (WWSB) – Manatee County leaders are celebrating two major milestones they say reflect the power of community partnerships: a significant state investment to expand homelessness services and statewide recognition for reducing opioid-related deaths.
$1.3 million awarded for Fresh Start Manatee expansion:
The State of Florida recently approved $1.3 million for Phase 2 of Fresh Start Manatee, a partnership between Manatee County and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office designed to provide long-term solutions for men experiencing homelessness.
The funding will help renovate a permanent facility that will serve as the county’s second homeless shelter, following the recent opening of Under One Roof’s Gateway South women’s shelter in Bradenton.
While Gateway South provides housing and recovery services for women impacted by addiction, homelessness and trauma, Fresh Start Manatee will focus on men, offering emergency shelter along with wraparound services, behavioral health care, substance abuse treatment, employment assistance, housing resources and jail diversion programs aimed at helping individuals regain stability…