Harvest Tabernacle Of Sarasota Inc

20 Beds for U.S. Military Veterans who are struggling with alcohol and/or drug addiction. Transitional Housing with case management and educational groups assist in the recovery process and prepare vets for meaningful employment & housing stability as they transition out of life-limiting patterns & into freedom.

The Freedom program is a residential recovery program modeled as a hybrid between a halfway-house and an intensive in-patient recovery program. There are 78 beds for men and 22 beds for women who are struggling with alcohol and/or drug addiction. Participants can stay up to 12 months to receive residential recovery with case management and life-enrichment classes. This holistic approach to recovery treats the mind, body, and spirit, and prepares individuals for meaningful employment and housing stability as they transition out of life-limiting patterns into freedom.

New Heights Transitional Living Program A progressive program is specifically designed for 18 to 24-year-old young adults who are experiencing homelessness. The young adults live in a shared, dorm-like setting along with other program participants. This supportive housing program with 9 beds is designed to help young adults reach new heights in seven key areas of life: Vocation, Education, Social, Financial, Health, Leadership, and Dreams. Outreach A Young Adult Advocate seeks out unaccompanied youth congregating in places not meant for habitation throughout Sarasota County to build rapport and engage them in stabilization services. Case Management Support services connecting homeless youth with safe housing, employment, and other crucial services. Drop-In Center (YOUth Center) A safe place for youth to recharge during the day and access services and support groups designed just for them Youth Action Board The Youth Action Board is made up of young leaders ages 16-24 that are a voice in the creation and implementation of a comprehensive and coordinated plan for unaccompanied youth in our community.

Family Haven (Emergency Shelter) - 24 beds in 6 dorm-style apartments for families and 4 beds for homeless unaccompanied young women ages 18-24 who are found living in unsuitable conditions and are in need of immediate, same-day housing. The Family Haven is the emergency housing solution for homeless families in Sarasota County. The participants work with case managers to secure longer-term transitional and permanent housing solutions, whether within Harvest House or with another agency. There is no cost to participants for these emergency services. Transitional Housing - 5 apartments for homeless families needing more time to stabilize after 30 days in the emergency shelter. There is no cost for this program.

Through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) HUD provided money to local governments, nonprofits, and all 50 states for the purpose of stabilizing communities that have suffered from foreclosures and abandonment. NSP partners acquired and rehabilitated properties to sell or rent to low- and moderate-income households. Harvest House is honored to participate in this nationwide program with 25 affordable rental units throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Many of these units are inhabited by former clients who worked hard to end the cycle of homelessness in their family. NSP contributes to our overall mission of revitalizing neighborhoods and transforming lives.

We find that occasionally Freedom graduates benefit from continued supportive housing during their next steps in recovery. In our Graduate Housing program, tenants sign a lease at an affordable rate that includes their rent and utilities, and they maintain access to the supportive services of the Freedom program, including the life-skills classes, support groups, and our loving community. For some, this is a necessary step after recovery from addiction and finding sustainable housing. Others will never be able to live on their own due to age and/or pre-existing conditions.

Because of the service and seasonal economic environment here in Sarasota County, 33% of residents are one crisis away from poverty, and often make desperate choices to make ends meet.* We never want anyone to have to choose between a rent or mortgage payment and feeding their family. Pastors Jim and Peggy Minor moved to Sarasota in 1984 and discovered many struggling men, women, and children. They began their outreach in the community with the Harvest Food Pantry. “I remember sitting down and recognizing that so many people were coming for food because they had an issue with drugs and alcohol,” Pastor Jim recalls. “We needed to create a safe place for them and that’s how Harvest House was born.” Every week, the Harvest Food Pantry distributes an average of 50lbs of fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and dry goods to each family. In 2019, over 670,000 lbs of food were distributed to more than 10,000 Sarasota families. The Harvest Food Pantry is also a resource for other local nonprofits and special outreaches, such as group homes for foster children and the elderly, as well as Harvest House clients. We have many partners whom we receive donations from or purchase food at a discounted rate, including Trader Joe’s, All Faith’s Food Bank, Fresh Market, and Publix. This is all possible thanks to our partners and dedicated volunteers. For distribution times, please visit: harvesthousecenters.org/harvestfoodpantry Our new facility on Princeton Street has provided great opportunity for increased partnerships with other agencies who need food to distribute to those they serve, and the ability to better receive food, sort, store and distribute. We have been able to receive donated goods from two 7-Eleven stores. The food received from 7-Eleven is already prepared, therefore it provides us foods that those experiencing homelessness are able to eat without a kitchen. We have continued to pick up from Trader Joe's daily, averaging 4,000 pounds weekly. We started a garden compost program. This enables us to recycle produce that is undesirable and donate the compost to those who want to start their own garden, including families in the Harvest House Home Again. Each family has their own GrowBox. Harvest House teaches them how to care for a small garden. This activity gives them the opportunity to learn new skills, enjoy the outdoors, and bond with one another.