Pinellas Safe Harbor

Pinellas Safe Harbor is an emergency homeless shelter and a jail diversion program designed to be a safe haven for people who are homeless and require services to get back on their feet.

Mission

Pinellas Safe Harbor is a cost-effective shelter and service headquarters for homeless people involved in the criminal justice system in Pinellas County. It is also a portal for inmates re-entering our community from the Pinellas County Jail (PCJ).

Pinellas Safe Harbor opened January 2011, with the primary objective of keeping Pinellas County's homeless population out of the criminal justice system and off the streets. Pinellas Safe Harbor provides these men and women with a safe environment while they pursue services needed to get back on their feet. As a result, the population of ordinance violators and non-violent offenders in the jail is reduced, resulting in significant savings to taxpayers.

Pinellas Safe Harbor is operated by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office in partnership with the Pinellas/Pasco Public Defender's Office, WestCare Foundation, Metropolitan Ministries, Pinellas County Health and Human Services, BayCare, and the Pinellas County Homeless Leadership Alliance.

Capacity

The total capacity for Pinellas Safe Harbor is 400 with an average population of over 300 individuals. Men and women share common facilities during the day but are housed in separate housing units at night. Intake staff completes an initial assessment of each homeless person’s qualifications for the facility.

Expenses

Pinellas Safe Harbor's operational costs are offset by monetary donations from participating cities, civic groups, and citizens that have contributed significantly to the program.

Security

Internal security is provided by Allied Universal Security (contractor). Facility perimeter security is maintained by existing Pinellas County Jail perimeter patrols. There are five community policing deputies assigned to roving shifts at Pinellas Safe Harbor. These deputies assist in law enforcement matters at Pinellas Safe Harbor and provide the surrounding community with dedicated service.

Services

Three hot meals, prepared at Metropolitan Ministries or partnering churches, are served daily.
Donations of new socks and underwear are provided to residents when they're available, and racks of donated clothes are also available for use. Click here for a list of acceptable donation items.
There are washers and dryers on the premises so residents can do their own laundry.
Homeless clients who are employed or require transportation to employment or medical appointments will be accommodated as it is feasible.
Loaner bikes are available for residents to check out.
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) buses stop near the shelter, and PSTA route maps are available at the shelter.
Groups and classes: Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, HIV awareness, Walkwise-Pedestrian Safety. Go Healthy, as well as various worship and religious services.
Medical services are provided on-site at the Bayside Clinic through Pinellas County Human Services Monday through Saturday. Residents receive basic health care and referrals for medical, dental, and mental health services.

Case Management

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Social Workers – Needs assessments, coordination of services and placements, mental health and substance abuse referrals
Public Defenders Office – Assessments for homeless ordinance violators, Public Defenders Office connection
WestCare – Substance abuse evaluations, substance abuse counseling, recovery services
Homeless Leadership Alliance – Assessments for shelter diversion, traveler's assistance
BayCare and Pinellas County Health and Human Services – Crisis evaluation, post-crisis engagement, and mental health navigation

Volunteer

Pinellas Safe Harbor always needs volunteers for:

Meal service and delivery
Donated clothing sorting and distribution

For all volunteer opportunities, please call 727-464-8148 for more information.