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5 Shelters in Tampa, Florida That Offer a Lifeline to the Homeless

Tampa, Florida — With a heart-wrenching homeless population estimated at over 2,300, Tampa ranks #10 among major U.S. cities for homelessness. These individuals face countless challenges, including lack of shelter, food insecurity, and limited access to healthcare. In the face of such adversity, shelters provide a beacon of hope, offering a lifeline to those in need.

This article explores 5 reputable shelters in Tampa, providing essential information about their services, mission, and impact on the community.

1. Salvation Army Tampa Crossroads Center

Mission: Provide comprehensive emergency shelter, housing, and support services to homeless men, women, and families.

Services:
- Emergency shelter
- Transitional housing
- Permanent housing
- Food and clothing
- Job training
- Counseling
- Medical care

shelters in tampa florida

Impact: The Salvation Army Tampa Crossroads Center has been a cornerstone of the Tampa community for over 100 years, serving thousands of homeless individuals each year. In 2022, the shelter provided shelter to over 1,400 people and transitional housing to over 550.

2. Metropolitan Ministries

Mission: Provide a continuum of services to end homelessness and poverty in Tampa.

5 Shelters in Tampa, Florida That Offer a Lifeline to the Homeless

Services:
- Emergency shelter
- Transitional housing
- Permanent housing
- Food pantry
- Clothing closet
- Healthcare
- Education
- Employment training

Impact: Metropolitan Ministries has a proven track record of success in helping people transition out of homelessness. In 2021, the organization helped over 2,800 individuals find permanent housing and provided over 800,000 meals to those in need.

1. Salvation Army Tampa Crossroads Center

3. St. Vincent de Paul CARES Tampa

Mission: Provide shelter, food, and support services to homeless and low-income individuals.

Services:
- Emergency shelter
- Transitional housing
- Food pantry
- Clothing closet
- Medical care
- Counseling
- Case management

Tampa, Florida

Impact: St. Vincent de Paul CARES Tampa has been serving the homeless population for over 40 years, providing hope and support to countless individuals. In 2022, the shelter provided shelter to over 1,800 people and served over 200,000 meals.

4. The Spring

Mission: Provide safe and affordable housing to low-income individuals and families.

Services:
- Permanent housing
- Affordable housing
- Section 8 housing
- Housing counseling
- Financial literacy

Impact: The Spring is a vital resource for low-income families in Tampa. In 2022, the organization provided housing to over 2,500 people and provided housing counseling to over 1,000 families.

5. Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Coalition (THHC)

Mission: Advocate for policies and programs that address homelessness in Tampa.

Services:
- Homeless hotline
- Homeless point-in-time count
- Advocacy
- Outreach
- Street outreach

Impact: THHC is a leading voice in the fight against homelessness in Tampa. The organization's advocacy efforts have resulted in increased funding for homeless services and the creation of new programs to address the root causes of homelessness.

How to Help

There are many ways to support shelters in Tampa. Here are a few ideas:

Donate money or goods
Volunteer your time
Advocate for policies that address homelessness
Spread awareness about the issue of homelessness

By providing shelter, food, and support services, these organizations are making a tangible difference in the lives of Tampa's homeless population.

Helpful Tips for Those Seeking Shelter

If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, there are resources available to help. Here are a few tips to help you find shelter:

Call the Homeless Hotline at (813) 223-1333
Visit the THHC website: https://thhc.org/
Contact the Salvation Army Tampa Crossroads Center: https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/tampa-crossroads-center/
Contact Metropolitan Ministries: https://metromin.org/

Conclusion

Shelters play a critical role in providing a lifeline to the homeless population in Tampa, Florida. These organizations offer a range of services that help to address the challenges of homelessness, including emergency shelter, food, clothing, counseling, and support services. By providing these essential services, shelters help to improve the lives of thousands of individuals each year.

Table 1: Shelter Services and Impact

Shelter	Services	Impact
Salvation Army Tampa Crossroads Center	Emergency shelter, transitional housing, permanent housing, food and clothing, job training, counseling, medical care	Over 1,400 people provided shelter in 2022, over 550 provided transitional housing
Metropolitan Ministries	Emergency shelter, transitional housing, permanent housing, food pantry, clothing closet, healthcare, education, employment training	Over 2,800 individuals helped to find permanent housing in 2021, over 800,000 meals provided
St. Vincent de Paul CARES Tampa	Emergency shelter, transitional housing, food pantry, clothing closet, medical care, counseling, case management	Over 1,800 people provided shelter in 2022, over 200,000 meals served
The Spring	Permanent housing, affordable housing, Section 8 housing, housing counseling, financial literacy	Over 2,500 people provided housing in 2022, over 1,000 families provided housing counseling
Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Coalition (THHC)	Homeless hotline, homeless point-in-time count, advocacy, outreach, street outreach	Leading voice in the fight against homelessness in Tampa

Table 2: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Seeking Shelter

Mistake	Impact
Not calling ahead	May not be able to get a bed
Not bringing necessary items	May not be able to stay at the shelter
Not following the shelter's rules	May be asked to leave the shelter
Not taking advantage of the shelter's resources	May miss out on valuable services
Not connecting with caseworkers	May not receive the support you need

Table 3: How to Help Shelters

Way to Help	Impact
Donate money	Provides shelters with the resources they need to operate
Donate goods	Provides shelters with essential items
Volunteer your time	Helps shelters to provide services to clients
Advocate for policies that address homelessness	Helps to create a more supportive environment for clients
Spread awareness about the issue of homelessness	Helps to reduce stigma and increase understanding of the issue

Table 4: How to Find Shelter

Resource	Contact Information
Homeless Hotline	(813) 223-1333
THHC Website	https://thhc.org/
Salvation Army Tampa Crossroads Center	https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/tampa-crossroads-center/
Metropolitan Ministries	https://metromin.org/