Pinellas Hope "Tent City"
St. Petersburg TimesSince it opened in 2007, Pinellas Hope has grown into Pinellas County's primary way station for the homeless. Spread out on 13 acres in an isolated, industrial area near Pinellas Park, it is run by Catholic Charities and receives more than $1 million in public funding each year. It holds about 300 people at capacity and roughly 800 pass through a year. That's large by shelter standards,but only puts a dent in Pinellas County's overall homeless population, estimated at 7,000. Nicknamed "Tent City" by residents, it offers centralized services: Laundry, computers, telephones, GED classes, medical check ups and caseworkers who guide residents through the ropes. But admission comes with a price. No alcohol, no drugs, no families, though couples are allowed.
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