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Pinellas Park Police Department - Homeless Outreach
| The Pinellas Park Homeless Outreach Team consists of a police officer partnering with a social worker. Ofc. Steven Vangeli and Social Worker Sharon Nivens team up to deal with the expanding homeless issue in our city and county. Currently there are three law enforcement agencies in Pinellas County involved in this program in which a social worker is partnered with a police officer. Ofc. Vangeli and Sharon Nivens patrol the city in search of those in need for shelter and any other social service needs. This program is funded by Pinellas County and the City of Pinellas Park. In the first year of the program over 400 homeless individuals and families have been taken off the streets and placed into shelter. |
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The program, which originated in the Miami and Ft. Lauderdale area also assisted homeless individuals in obtaining identification and social services so they can gain employment, become eligible for long term housing, receive benefits, enter into alcohol/drug treatment and assist with any mental health issues. The Homeless Outreach Team also assists homeless veterans and reunites families that have been displaced. Many homeless individuals are now in long term housing and have overcome their homeless situation due to the program. The program receives calls from area business, churches and individuals through the outreach hotline. |
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Homeless Outreach Contact: Officer Steve Vangeli E-Mail: SVangeli@Pinellas-Park.com |
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