SHAL Monthly Report: July 2016 SHAL News

Soup Kitchen Serving at the Shelter

In cooperation with SHAL, St. Mary’s Soup Kitchen will begin a test of changing the serving area for homeless to the Shelter. The Saturday and Sunday only test will begin in August, with staff from the Soup Kitchen bringing and serving food prepared at the current location on Flagler Avenue, to the Shelter.

SHAL management believes the additional service may encourage unsheltered homeless persons to utilize the Shelter and enroll in the growing list of services that SHAL has added, including health care, employment services, financial education, AA meetings, a housing first program, enhanced relocation options and more, all designed to quickly move homeless residents of Monroe County into permanent housing and self-support.

Shelter hours will not change, and food will be served only to homeless persons who stay at the Shelter. SHAL has improved security, cleanliness and comfort at the Shelter, helping to prepare homeless persons for self-sufficiency.

The Shelter recently started serving a simple breakfast most mornings to clients, using the example of a growing number of churches and other groups that have brought a more substantial morning meal to help homeless get ready for a sustainable lifestyle. “You can’t get out of being homeless if you’re tired, hungry or sick,” said John Miller, Executive Director of SHAL. “We’re very pleased to be working more closely with the Soup Kitchen to better address our community’s response to the homeless problem.”

Fridge at Shelter for clients’ use A new freezer purchased with funds provided by the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys (CFFK) allowed SHAL staff to move an older refrigerator into the courtyard, where Shelter residents can store their food temporarily.

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