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April 3, 2020At the start of a March 31 live-streamed Mass from the chapel of his residence, Pope Francis prayed that people become aware of all those who lack shelter and housing and help them, and that the Church would "welcome them."
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg is doing just that.
In partnership with the City of Tampa, Catholic Charities opened Hillsborough Hope on March 30, a shelter for 100 homeless residents. The shelter is located on vacant land owned by the diocese's charitable agency. Due to the risk posed by the coronavirus, city officials decided to relocate homeless residents in order to provide the best opportunity to care for them as the virus infects dramatically more people and food shortages intensify.
"This incredible initiative is offering potentially life-saving resources like shelter, food, and a place to shower, to those that need them most, and it will help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community," says Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. "The sooner we start taking care of each other, the sooner we can get through this together."
In addition to the land, Catholic Charities will provide support personnel, including case managers, laundry trailers, a mobile laundromat, and six portable toilets. The City of Tampa is providing access to utilities, tents and other equipment as well as security by Tampa Police Department. Food will be provided through private donations and in partnership with Feeding Tampa Bay. BayCare Health will assist with health screenings.
"All parties have recognized the need to provide this important service to the homeless of Tampa and while unfortunate, the coronavirus crisis has proven to be the catalyst to make it happen," said Margaret (Maggie) Rogers, Catholic Charities' Executive Director. "We are grateful to the City of Tampa for their faith in our ability to replicate our work serving the homeless of Pinellas County."
Click here to view a video about Hillsborough Hope.
