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About Us
Mission Statement
Street Flags USA is dedicated to helping those experiencing homelessness by linking them to employment in a woodworking shop making rustic US flags and assisting their transition from the streets to a home with dignity and love as an expression of the continuing ministry of Jesus Christ.
Our founder, Scott Labuda
Originally from Cleveland, OH, Scott Labuda moved to New York City in 1987 to work with homeless youth. There at the height of the crack, AIDS, and homicide epidemics in the US he found his passion for working with those living on the fringes of society.
This work led him from NYC to Houston, to Chicago, to Cleveland, and now Tampa.
Scott is currently working with the Metropolitan Ministries Outreach BrigAIDe team working with adult individuals who are experiencing homelessness in the Tampa/St Petersburg area.
Scott is a member of Mensa and decades long member of SAG and has written a children's book on race entitled The Color of People.
Scott lives with his wife, Bonnie, and Mountain Cur, Cleo, in Palm Harbor, FL. He is an avid rower and enjoys being active outdoors.
More on homelessness ...
At Street Flags USA, we believe that homelessness is not who you are but what you are going through.
Our goal is to help those affected by homelessness to work their way out of homelessness in a dignified manner.
What to do if you see a homeless person on the street?
1. Be safe! Most people that are reading this already have good intentions and are looking for ways to have a positive interaction with a person who is experiencingf homelessness ... still it is important to know that there are persons and places on the street that are simply not safe. Whether it is someone going through an acute mental emergency or a person under the influence not all people you meet on the streets will be safe to interact with. Use your instincts and remember to be safe.
I remember meeting a volunteer at one of our meal outreach sites tell me that they never feel scared when they are amongst the homeless population. I believe that they were trying to impress upon me that they feel comfortable in this environment. I immmedicately informed them the amount of training and procedures that we have in place to make sure we are safe at all times.
2. Acknowledge them with a smile, or nod, or say hello. So many people living on the streets are ignored hundreds of times a dayl A little ackowledgement and kindness can change someone's day!
3. Whether you do or do not give money is your personal decision. Many experts believe offering food, water, and info abt local services is a better way to go but if you do decide to give money it is crucial that you never give money with conditions. "Here's $5.00 but don't buy alcohol with it," may sound like solid advice but in reality may be more for the givee to feel good about this transaction than for the person receiving the money. More than likely if the person will be using the money for alcohol or drugs then you are asking them to lie to you to receive this money. Chances are they already have a lot of guilt with decisions that they have made on their way to homelessness or while homeless, why ask them to make one more lie to make you feel better?