The Sarasota Police Department’s Homeless Outreach Team interacts with those experiencing homelessness throughout the City of Sarasota with the hopes of providing those individuals with viable alternatives to homelessness.  The team consists of four officers and one sergeant. Law Enforcement works in partnership with the City of Sarasota, which includes a coordinator and two case managers.

This team has several ways of assisting people in need which includes conducting outreach, providing case management, applying for vouchers through the Sarasota Housing Authority when applicable and available, beds at The Salvation Army of Sarasota, and referrals to other local agencies. These efforts have proven to be effective as more individuals experiencing homelessness are being linked to services in the community.

Educate, Encourage, and Enforcement
Officers first EDUCATE individuals about Sarasota city code and local services available to them. The team attempts to link them to resources in the community, including the Homeless Outreach Team.

Officers then ENCOURAGE individuals to engage with the Homeless Outreach Team case managers and local service providers. They may be offered one of the beds at The Salvation Army if appropriate and available.  These beds are utilized for those who have been chronically homeless in the City of Sarasota, are working with the case managers, and are on a path to housing.

If they are involved in criminal activity after education and encouragement has taken place, officers proceed to ENFORCEMENT, which may result in a summons to appear in court or a physical arrest.

Outreach
The Homeless Outreach Team provides outreach services to individuals throughout the entire City of Sarasota, acting as a bridge between those experiencing homelessness and the Continuum of Care within Sarasota County. They provide educational material highlighting service providers and take their time with each individual during every contact to ensure they are referred to the appropriate agencies and resources based off of their stated needs.

Case Management
The members of this team will meet with individuals at a variety of locations throughout the City of Sarasota such as encampments, The Salvation Army, The Resurrection House, Selby Library, city parks, and other agreed upon locations. This is to ensure success in linking as many individuals as possible to services in the community.

The case managers meet weekly with other case managers from the Continuum of Care to discuss vulnerable individuals needing services. 

HOT Services at The Salvation Army
On October 1, 2015, the City of Sarasota and The Salvation Army of Sarasota entered into an agreement that guarantees a free night in a bed at the Salvation Army when that individual is brought in by the Sarasota Police Department.  They are provided Shelter, Security, and Food.  This program is voluntary and no one is forced to enter a bed.  Individuals will have the opportunity to meet with a case manager during this time.  If the individual is willing to meet with a case manager and engage in services, then they may be able to continue to stay in the beds while working their case plan.

Partnership with Local Agencies
The Homeless Outreach Team has partnered with other local agencies including Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Sarasota-Manatee, St. Vincent de Paul, Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness, First Step of Sarasota, and many others.  Each agency provides different services that can benefit individuals experiencing homelessness.

Homeward Bound
The Homeless Outreach Team assists individuals with transportation services to reunite with family or loved ones. It allows for the individual to travel outside of Sarasota to someone who has a supportive housing opportunity available for them.

If meeting the criteria to qualify for this service, a bus ticket is purchased and transportation is provided to the Greyhound bus station.  Snacks and drinks can be provided by a local service provider if needed for the trip.

Members of the team will contact the receiving party and confirm their new residence.  Law enforcement will verify the traveler has no outstanding warrants, PCA’s, is not listed as a missing person, and that they have not used Homeward Bound before.

We need your help!
Homelessness is a community-wide challenge that requires a community-wide response.  You can make a real difference by:

• Making a donation directly to a service provider in the community instead of encouraging solicitors.
• Notifying the Homeless Outreach Team if you see someone who may need their assistance.
• Reporting any illegal activity or trespassing to the police and joining the Trespass Enforcement Program through SPD if appropriate. For more information, click here.
• Taking the initiative to learn more about homelessness-related issues and what can be done to make a difference within the City of Sarasota. 

For any questions regarding the Homeless Outreach Team, please contact
City of Sarasota Case Managers
Krystal Frazier at 941-374-2404 or Carly Tolkacz at 941-387-5744