Homeless Prevention

Ronal, a former Army Bomb Specialist, faced significant challenges after his military service. Transitioning to civilian life was tough due to injuries sustained in service, including a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and nerve damage in his left leg. These physical limitations, coupled with a struggle to adapt to civilian work environments, led him into a difficult phase. Ronal spent most of his career as a delivery driver, assisting in a woodshop, and managing supply orders. Ronal grappled with drug dependency, which had started as a coping mechanism during his service. His situation reached a low point when he found himself…

Volunteers of America of Florida showcases the impact of supportive housing at Innovare in St. Pete’s Innovation District, instilling hope and stability for formerly homeless individuals.

Over the past year, the Tampa Bay Times has been documenting #VOAF Innovare housing journey. The series concludes with its eighth and final installment.

Since Valentine’s Day, the Tampa Bay Times has chronicled the #VOAF Innovare housing journey. Don’t miss the seventh installment in the series read it here.

By Nicole Griffin | Spectrum News 13 “Homeless veterans in the area has doubled, maybe even tripled, but the thing I see most, I have been doing this for 18 years and the thing that I see coming around now is seeing more and more homeless veterans that are seniors guys that are in their 60s, 70s and 80s who, because of the increase in rent are able to keep their housing, they wind up getting evicted, having to leave because they can’t pay it,” Locklear said.

Join the Tampa Bay Times in the fourth installment of an occasional series as they follow residents’ emotional and transformative journey at Innovare VOAF’s new affordable housing development.

Witness the poignant milestones and gritty challenges in the third installment of an occasional series by the Tampa Bay Times.

After 15 years in Pinellas County, Mr. Kissinger’s life took a tough turn. He lost his apartment and lived in his car until it, too, was taken away. He hit rock bottom with nowhere to turn and just the clothes on his back. He found a spark of hope at Safe Harbor, which led him to Pinellas Hope. Surrounded by others in similar situations, he received meals, a place to sleep, and help rebuilding his life for eight months. But Mr. Kissinger was aiming for a stable future. With Pinellas Hope’s guidance, he contacted Volunteers of America of Florida and…

From a work injury to homelessness and battling substance abuse, Walter’s path to Innovare waschallenging. Yet, his resilience and five-year sobriety journey led him to become the very first resident ofInnovare. Innovare offers Walter a chance for growth – from aspirations to regain his driver’s license to rebuilding independence and crafting a future once deemed unreachable. With direct care services and a nurturing community,Walter isn’t just surviving; he’s filled with hope. Walter’s story symbolizes Innovare’s essence: a place where second chances are real.

Explore the second installment of the Tampa Bay Times series at Innovare apartments. Here, residents engage in a cooking class to learn budget-friendly recipes and connect with neighbors.