Subject:
Title
Agreement with Westcare Gulfcoast-Florida, Inc., for A Turning Point homeless inebriate receiving shelter.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the Agreement with Westcare Gulfcoast-Florida, Inc., (Westcare) for A Turning Point (Turning Point) homeless shelter.
- Turning Point is the only licensed homeless inebriate receiving facility in Pinellas County. While in shelter, clients receive access to mental health and substance use services, crisis intervention, case management, and referrals to wraparound services such as housing, healthcare, and identification assistance.
- In Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24), Turning Point sheltered and served 696 clients, of whom 586 were unduplicated. Of the total clients served, 473 clients met with a case manager at least once per week to coordinate needs and services, and 388 client treatment plans were completed. The total individual shelter bed nights for the period were 14,478.
- Funding in an amount not to exceed $162,430 per year is included in the Human Services FY26 General Fund Proposed Budget. The initial term of this agreement is for three years, commencing October 1, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2028, with one option of renewal. The agreement includes a fiscal non-funding clause, should this portion of the budget not be approved.
Body
Strategic Priorities:
Healthy and Safe Communities
2.1 Improve public health
2.2 Enhance community safety
Smart Service Delivery
4.2 Achieve and maintain a high level of customer satisfaction.
Summary:
This Agreement provides funding for A Turning Point, Pinellas County’s only homeless inebriate receiving shelter. While sheltered at Turning Point, clients are offered mental health and substance use services, crisis intervention, case management and connection or referrals to resources (housing, health care, identification, etc.)
Background/Explanation:
County funding supports the operational capacity at Turning Point, the only licensed homeless inebriate receiving facility in Pinellas County. Turning Point plays a critical role in stabilizing individuals by collaborating with Human Services programs and community partners throughout the county.
In FY24, Turning Point sheltered and served 696 clients. Of those served, 473 clients engaged with a case manager at least once per week to coordinate services, resulting in the completion of 388 client treatment plans. Clients also participated in 12-step Program sessions.
During this period, 103 clients exited to permanent or permanent supportive housing, while 113 clients exited to transitional housing placements. Total individual shelter bed nights for the fiscal year amounted to 14,478.
Fiscal Impact:
Funding in an amount not to exceed $162,430 has been identified in the Human Services proposed Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) General Fund appropriation.
The agreement includes a fiscal non-funding clause, should this portion of the budget not be approved.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this Agreement is granted under Code Section 2-62 (a)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Karen Yatchum, Director, Human Services
Partners:
Westcare Gulfcoast-Florida, Inc.
Attachments:
Agreement