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Housing solutions require ingenuity and heart

Nov 11, 2022

Housing solutions require ingenuity and heart

In the 1985-1992 TV series “MacGyver,” the main character is known for helping vulnerable populations using whatever resources he had available to him at the moment. MacGyver typically carried duct tape and a Swiss Army Knife with him at all times, but a penny, used chewing gum, and a paper clip would probably be all he would need to stop a runaway train.

He had an unsurpassed ingenuity and determination when it came to helping people in need.

When speaking recently with Brittany Fining, Director of Programs for the Charlotte County Homeless Coalition, my thoughts turned to this crafty character as she described the ingenious and determined case managers on her team. This crew has been working to make sure their clients are all, “safe, fed and have their needs met,” according to Fining. This has been especially challenging and exponentially important following Hurricane Ian.

One client was living in a rental that became uninhabitable from the storm. The case manager stepped in and made arrangements with the landlord to pause rent payments until repairs can be made and the client can safely return to the home. The case manager not only helped the woman obtain a POD to store items from her home, but the case manager also took the time to help sort through these items. Some items simply had to be thrown away while some were salvageable after being cleaned. The case manager made sure the client and her children had food, ice and other needed items as they transitioned to temporary housing with a friend.

If duct tape and a Swiss Army Knife weren’t involved in that step-by-step assistance, a generous dose of compassion sure was!

Another client was a single male veteran who became displaced from the storm and was without a safe place to sleep for three weeks. Upon speaking to Veterans Affairs, he was connected with the Charlotte County Homeless Coalition and Jewish Family and Children’s Services. This trio of case managers started the client out at the Homeless Coalition shelter, which has 22 beds reserved specifically for veterans. The man expressed gratitude for having someone finally sit down with him and listen to his story.

Together, resources were identified to put him up in a hotel until other housing options become available.

Brittany shared one final story with me about a pair of clients who had established housing prior to Hurricane Ian but had needs arise after the storm. A Homeless Coalition case manager checked in on them daily and assisted the landlord and family in finding an electrician to help with a downed power line and damaged meter. When the family needed help completing a FEMA application, the case manager offered that assistance as well as much reassurance that everything was going to be okay.

As she shared these stories with me, Brittany expressed pride in how the team at the Homeless Coalition has handled the challenges they face in their work on a daily basis. “Our case managers take any and all steps to ensure our clients are advocated for and supported through any obstacles that arise, and Hurricane Ian has been no exception to this,” she said. “I have been proud to see our frontline staff navigate these new challenges successfully, leading as always with a heart for our clients.”

Even with a team of MacGyvers, the Homeless Coalition has needs that the community can help with. If you are interested in volunteering, or in donating non-perishable food items to support their Hot Meals and Food Pantry program, please contact them at 941-627-4313.

Read full article online:

https://www.yoursun.com/charlotte/news/column-housing-solutions-require-ingenuity-and-heart/article_f7015b36-5f7c-11ed-8a63-07db8f2f7306.html?fbclid=IwAR3NSNif8Xm4b2mt29YJh4lXTgTwHBELvoOGgmn_rRU0ofBn_51-yJVJEbA

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Charlotte Community Foundation Awards $16,579 Grant to The Homeless Coalition for Air Conditioning Units Benefiting Veterans

10 Mar, 2023

Charlotte Community Foundation Awards $16,579 Grant to The Homeless Coalition for Air Conditioning Units Benefiting Veterans FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Charlotte Community Foundation Awards $16,579 Grant to The Homeless Coalition for Air Conditioning Units Benefiting Veterans Port Charlotte, FL – The Homeless Coalition is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $16,579 grant from the Charlotte Community Foundation to replace the air conditioning units in its Emergency Shelter and one unit in its Hunger Prevention Program kitchen and dining room. This grant will allow The Homeless Coalition to continue to provide services to one of the most vulnerable populations in the community. The majority of the Veterans in the Emergency Shelter come to us with extremely serious health conditions and require clean and cool air to aid in the improvement of their wellbeing. The Homeless Coalition is the only Emergency Shelter for homeless Veterans in an over 65 mile radius and has held the contract with the Veterans Administration since 2015. With an increase from 20 to 22 beds reserved for Veterans in this contract year, The Homeless Coalition will continue to work to permanently house Veterans in the community. In the last year, over 70% of the Veterans in the shelter have moved into permanent housing. "We are extremely grateful for the support of the Charlotte Community Foundation. This grant will allow us to provide a safe and comfortable environment for our Veterans, which is crucial for their health and well-being," said Tina Figliuolo, Chief Executive Officer of The Homeless Coalition. "We are dedicated to serving this vulnerable population now and in future years and this grant will help us to reach these goals." The Homeless Coalition's Veterans Program is one of four core programs. The organization aims to serve the Veterans in the community with another 3-year renewal contract this September with the Veterans Administration. The Homeless Coalition is also strategizing with private donors to identify and/or create housing projects in the community so that there will be options to move into permanent housing as this is the organization's greatest barrier. The Homeless Coalition of Charlotte County, FL is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides emergency shelter, food, and support services to Veterans, individuals, and families throughout Southwest Florida. The organization's mission is to alleviate and prevent hunger and homelessness and aims to provide a safe and supportive environment that empowers individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency and find permanent housing. For more information on The Homeless Coalition please visit our website at www.cchomelesscoalition.org , or contact Tina Figliuolo, Chief Executive Officer, at (941) 627-4313, Ext. 118.