FREE HOUSING AVAILABLE FOR FLORIDA KEYS KIDS AND TEENS

TAVERNIER – There is nothing more important than a safe, comfortable place to stay and as of publication, the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter still has limited “room at the Inn” for children ages 10-17.

“Your child is welcome to stay here at no cost. Our beds are comfortable and we serve delicious, home-cooked meals. We are here to give a warm welcome to any child who wants or needs a place to stay, for any reason, said Bill Mann, co-CEO of the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter.

Reservations at the Tavernier facility are currently available on a first-come, first serve basis, exclusively for children ages 10-17. Call (305) 852-4246 or come in person to the Melvin M. Jelsema building in Plantation Key which is staffed 24 hours a day.

“Please put the safety and well-being of your children first. Residences with major damage or mold are not safe places for children to be living” Mann said.

The spacious and modern 19-bed facility often serves as a safe home for children in emergency situations or awaiting a foster family. The residents have access to video games and workout equipment, and stay in rooms exquisitely painted by artists including Wyland, Pasta Pantaleo and Stacie Krupa.

In this difficult time after Hurricane Irma, displaced youth have come to stay for just one night or for an extended stay if their parents cannot locate or afford a suitable rental. Many families used up the hotel allowances offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program.

Even if you’re currently unemployed or unemployed, moving out of town is not always a parent’s best choice, according to Florida Keys Children’s Shelter’s counseling staff. It disrupts your child’s important school year experience in a year that has already been challenging for young people.

If parents or guardians are seeking a clean and safe place for their children to sleep, they may coordinate to drop them off each evening and pick them up in the morning. The youth support staff is also available to provide free transportation to local schools.

“A caveat…while we say that our doors are open to all, safety is our highest priority so our doors are literally locked so no unauthorized people can enter the home. Also there are circumstances when we will refer a child to a partner facility because he or she could be a bad influence on our other children or a risk to the community,” Mann explained.

Keys residents can get free and caring support for youth issues including post-traumatic stress related Hurricane Irma by calling any of the organization’s counselors. They can also provide more information on the residential program:

305-731-3943 Mercedes Williams, Tavernier In-House

305-240-4453 Katie Raskob, Community Based Counselor Manager

305-434-0888 Miram Rascoe, Upper Keys

305-407-4530 Paula Foley, Middle Keys

305-797-1662 Madde Denny, Lower Keys

About the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter

“Safe Kids, Strong Families, and a Healthy Community” drives every facet of Florida Keys Children’s Shelter programming.  Serving Monroe County for almost 30 years, the nonprofit organization touched more than 500 lives last year through its no-cost programs; emergency shelter, group homes, community-based counseling, respite services and drop-in center for homeless and run-away youth.  For more information on services or learn how to get involved, please visit www.FKCS.org or call (305) 852-4246.

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