New Port Richey police Sgt. Matt Patsch and Officer Mark Ammani are part of a new team.
“They told me like seven years ago I had 18 months to leave. So I’m still kicking,” says George Koch.
Sgt. Patsch and Officer Ammani have met with George and dozens of others from New Port Richey’s homeless population. They’re part of the new Life Improvement Facilitation Team known as LIFT.
They’re making face-to-face contact with as many people as possible.
“I don’t pass judgment or anything like that. You are here now. What can I do now to help better improve your life and move forward,” said Sgt. Patsch.
The team focuses on those who are homeless and connects them with services available to help.
“A lot of the time, we have individuals that suffer from substance abuse and mental health issues, which we also assist with. But it’s just taking the time to get out there individually and see what their own stories are,” said Officer Ammani.
George’s story is like many others. He can’t afford a place to live in Pasco County.