Our plan
The problem
Currently there are over 4,100 people experiencing homelessness in the Tampa/St Petersburg area although the National Alliance to End Homelessness has estimated that the total number may be 4 times greater than reported.
While working with homeless adults Scott and his fellow outreach workers encountered varying groups of people. Some have
Currently there are over 4,100 people experiencing homelessness in the Tampa/St Petersburg area although the National Alliance to End Homelessness has estimated that the total number may be 4 times greater than reported.
While working with homeless adults Scott and his fellow outreach workers encountered varying groups of people. Some have mental illnesses, some have drug and alcohol issues, and some are just homeless due to happenstnces (rental increases, deaths, loss of jobs, etc), Many are living of the streets due to a combination of these factors.
Frequently, we encounter people who can work and would like to work but cannot find a job due to not having a safe and consistent place to sleep each night, or meal to nourish them, or a clean pair of clothes, or an address, or identifying documents. With these people in mind the idea of Street Flags USA was born.
The idea
Street Flags USA works with adults experiencing homelessness and give them an opportunity to work, save money, build back their dignity, and work their way out of homelessness and into a solid living situation.
We work with outreach workers and shelters to provide identifying documents and shelter stays so that our workers can get a good
Street Flags USA works with adults experiencing homelessness and give them an opportunity to work, save money, build back their dignity, and work their way out of homelessness and into a solid living situation.
We work with outreach workers and shelters to provide identifying documents and shelter stays so that our workers can get a good nights rest, a meal, a shower, and clean clothes so that they can show up and put in a good day's work.
Additionally, because our workers stay in temporary shelters their expenses will be small. They commit to opening a bank account and saving 70% of the money they earn.
After 4 months of good work and consistent saving Street Flags USA will pay for 8 months of rent for free.
With new monthly expenses their savings percentage will change and after 1 years time, and with savings from $8,000 - $10,000 they can stay working with Street Flags USA and begin mentoring new workers.
We will repeat this process again and again - giving new opportunities to new workers.
The support ...with dignity and love
The support ...with dignity and love
Street Flags USA knows how to support workers transitioning from homelessness to independence.
We know that this transition only happens with a tremendous amount of support.
Some of the support we offer is through daily check ins, financial literacy sessions, and mentoring from retirees and expert woodworkers,
We also volunteer at a local m
Street Flags USA knows how to support workers transitioning from homelessness to independence.
We know that this transition only happens with a tremendous amount of support.
Some of the support we offer is through daily check ins, financial literacy sessions, and mentoring from retirees and expert woodworkers,
We also volunteer at a local meal site that serves individuals experiencing homelessness.