A Growing Concern
The homeless population in Pinellas County has grown at an alarming rate during the past decade. Over 7,000 people are experiencing homelessness on any given night; hundreds of our neighbors continue to sleep on the streets, in their cars, and in other places not meant for human habitation. In addition to a growing homeless population, the face of homelessness has changed over t
he years. Because of economic conditions and many social factors, homelessness has increased and now includes more families with children, an increased number of veterans and a greater number of working poor households. Even though insufficient income is cited as the most common reason for homelessness, more than 33% of homeless adults work full or part-time, and about 23% receive disability, veteran or retirement benefits. Despite these sources of income, low wages or other personal or environmental barriers have led them to the streets or into emergency shelters. The loss of a significant number of public housing units has also contributed to the problem. About Us
Founded in 2007, Celebrate Outreach! is a nonpartisan, grassroots, nonprofit organization dedicated to treating all members of our community with dignity, and working with those who are experiencing homelessness or at risk for homelessness to the end that they are liberated from homelessness, hunger, violence, discrimination and injustice. Our mission is to prevent and end homelessness in our area through social justice, advocacy, community education and direct service. We envision a society in which all people are treated with dignity and respect, and as a result insures that everyone has safe, decent, affordable housing, enough food to eat, and a means to make an honest living. Preventing and Ending Homelessness
While there are private and public agencies that serve the homeless on the micro level and coordinate systems of care on the macro level, there are not many agencies which have the sole function to prevent and end homelessness. There are even fewer that implement this mission from a faith-based perspective. From this vantage point, forged through open and frank dialogue, individuals and congregations have bridged religious and cultural divides to form a dynamic partnership dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness in St. Petersburg and beyond. No one should be homeless; housing is a human right. No one should be poor; wealth should be distributed equitably rather than concentrated in the hands of a few. No one should be hungry; the earth still produces enough food to feed the 7 billion who live here. People need affordable housing, livable incomes, fresh food and water, health care, education, and protection of their civil and human rights. This is our cause, and if this resonates with you, We invite your organization or faith based Congregation to join with us in this campaign to transform our community and world. There are many ways in which to support and get involved. You can make a difference! Visit us at www.celebrateoutreach.org and join us today!
