

They are provided Shelter, Security, and Food.
#THE OUTREACH TEAM FREE#
On October 1, 2015, the City of Sarasota and The Salvation Army of Sarasota entered into an agreement that guarantees a free night in a bed at the Salvation Army when that individual is brought in by the Sarasota Police Department. The case managers meet weekly with other case managers from the Continuum of Care to discuss vulnerable individuals needing services. This is to ensure success in linking as many individuals as possible to services in the community. The members of this team will meet with individuals at a variety of locations throughout the City of Sarasota such as encampments, The Salvation Army, The Resurrection House, Selby Library, city parks, and other agreed upon locations. They provide educational material highlighting service providers and take their time with each individual during every contact to ensure they are referred to the appropriate agencies and resources based off of their stated needs. The Homeless Outreach Team provides outreach services to individuals throughout the entire City of Sarasota, acting as a bridge between those experiencing homelessness and the Continuum of Care within Sarasota County. If they are involved in criminal activity after education and encouragement has taken place, officers proceed to ENFORCEMENT, which may result in a summons to appear in court or a physical arrest. These beds are utilized for those who have been chronically homeless in the City of Sarasota, are working with the case managers, and are on a path to housing. They may be offered one of the beds at The Salvation Army if appropriate and available. Officers then ENCOURAGE individuals to engage with the Homeless Outreach Team case managers and local service providers. The team attempts to link them to resources in the community, including the Homeless Outreach Team.
#THE OUTREACH TEAM CODE#
Officers first EDUCATE individuals about Sarasota city code and local services available to them. This team has several ways of assisting people in need which includes conducting outreach, providing case management, applying for vouchers through the Sarasota Housing Authority when applicable and available, beds at The Salvation Army of Sarasota, and referrals to other local agencies. These efforts have proven to be effective as more individuals experiencing homelessness are being linked to services in the community. Law Enforcement works in partnership with the City of Sarasota, which includes a coordinator and two case managers. The team consists of four officers and one sergeant. The Sarasota Police Department’s Homeless Outreach Team interacts with those experiencing homelessness throughout the City of Sarasota with the hopes of providing those individuals with viable alternatives to homelessness.
