Seeing someone experiencing homelessness in Sarasota? Here’s how the city says you can help

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – When someone sees a person experiencing homelessness in Sarasota, the instinct may be to hand them money, food or clothing. But the city’s homelessness response coordinator says there may be a more effective way to help.

Shellie Legarsky, the City of Sarasota’s Coordinator of Homelessness Response, joined ABC7 News at Noon to explain how the city and Sarasota Police Department work together to connect people experiencing homelessness with services, treatment and ultimately housing.

Legarsky said Sarasota has seen progress over the past decade.

“There has been a decline in homelessness over the last 10 years in Sarasota,” Legarsky said, crediting the work of the Homeless Outreach Team and community agencies.

How Sarasota’s Homeless Outreach Team works

The Sarasota Police Department’s Homeless Outreach Team, commonly called HOT, works in partnership with the City of Sarasota to reach people experiencing homelessness throughout the city.

According to Legarsky, the law enforcement portion of the team currently includes four officers and one sergeant, while the city provides a coordinator and two case managers. The team conducts street outreach, provides case management and connects people with local organizations and programs based on their individual needs.

Legarsky said outreach doesn’t necessarily begin with asking someone to leave an area. Instead, the team tries to determine what is preventing that person from moving out of homelessness.

“We help people where they are,” Legarsky said.

Those needs can vary significantly from person to person.

“It could be mental health services, substance abuse, it could be court-related, and at the end of the day is housing,” Legarsky said.

The team can also help people obtain identification cards and birth certificates, apply for food assistance and connect with sources of income, including employment or disability benefits.

Case managers meet people in locations throughout Sarasota, including encampments, city parks, Selby Library, The Salvation Army and Resurrection House. Case managers also meet weekly with other providers within Sarasota County’s Continuum of Care to discuss vulnerable individuals who need services.

Shelter and housing assistance

The city’s outreach efforts can include connecting someone with a bed at The Salvation Army of Sarasota.

According to the Sarasota Police Department, since 2015, an agreement between the City of Sarasota and The Salvation Army has provided a free night’s stay when an individual is brought to the shelter by Sarasota police. Participation is voluntary, and individuals can meet with a case manager and potentially continue staying there while working toward longer term goals.

The Homeless Outreach Team can also assist with Sarasota Housing Authority vouchers when available and appropriate, as well as referrals to other community agencies.

Another program, called Homeward Bound, helps eligible individuals reunite with family members or loved ones outside Sarasota when a supportive housing opportunity is available. The program can provide a bus ticket and transportation to the bus station after the team confirms the receiving party and housing arrangement.

What should you do if you see someone who needs help?

Legarsky said residents who want to help should consider connecting the individual with outreach services rather than simply providing money or other items directly.

“When our homeless clients’ needs are being met by kind hearted folks, whether that’s through giving them money, clothing or food, they are enabling them, keeping them homeless,” Legarsky said.

She said those interactions can sometimes make it more difficult for outreach workers to persuade someone to accept longer term services because the person’s immediate needs are already being met.

“The most kind thing you can do is let us know when you see homelessness,” Legarsky said. She also encouraged residents to volunteer or donate to organizations that work directly with people experiencing homelessness.

SPD similarly encourages residents to donate directly to local service providers and notify the Homeless Outreach Team when they encounter someone who may need assistance.

Education, encouragement and enforcement

Sarasota Police describes its approach as “Educate, Encourage and Enforcement.”

Officers first educate people about city ordinances and services available in the community. They then encourage individuals to work with case managers and service providers.

If criminal activity occurs after education and encouragement efforts, officers may move to enforcement, which can include a summons or arrest.

How to contact Sarasota’s Homeless Outreach Team

Residents with questions or who know of someone who may need assistance can contact the City of Sarasota’s case managers:

Krystal Frazier: 941-374-2404

Carly Tolkacz: 941-387-5744

More information about Sarasota’s homelessness response and available services can be found through the Sarasota Police Department Homeless Outreach Team.