Homeless Empowerment Program

HEP is an award-winning 353-bed shelter in Clearwater, FL, serving individuals (including Veterans) and families with children with basic services, along with comprehensive support services, like transportation, case management, job training and much more. Thanks to donations, last year HEP was able to assist 1,204 individuals, including 504 Veterans and 127 children. HEP was also named the 2017 Large Non-profit of the Year by the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce and the charity of choice for 2018 Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hero Awardee Dr. C. William Johnston. 

Goals

Simply put, our goal is to break the cycle of homelessness and be the last homeless shelter an individual or family ever has to access. HEP monitors its programs to measure progress against stated goals and to make necessary refinements. Program outcomes and data such as the number of clients who secure and remain in housing, and other measures indicating success and effectiveness are rigorously tracked and analyzed to inform the design of new programs and provide an evidence base to HEP’s policy views.

 
Strategy

Our goals are achieved by leveraging community resources through partnerships, volunteers, and donors, employing evidence based practices, and providing a continuum of housing options for anyone who is homeless.  Our strategic plan outlines the path to achieving agency goals.


Capacity

The success of HEP is built upon strong leadership, vision, and community support. In addition to an active board of directors, a number of unpaid volunteers make significant contributions to develop our programs. Ongoing support from all levels of government, private citizens, surrounding neighborhoods, and input from the homeless community provides the capacity for us to achieve our goals. Furthermore, an endowment fund has been established to provide regular, predictable income for programs and facilities.

Measuring Progress

The Quality and Outcome Committee provides guidance and oversight to the Leadership Team in measuring progress toward meeting Quality Improvement Goals. Through monthly reviews of benchmarks and milestones, the Committee keeps the Leadership Team on course to reaching our core objectives.