Beds in Tallahassee, Gainesville, and Ocala will transition to the CERS program
beginning October 1, 2026
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — VOA Florida is pleased to announce a new Veterans Affairs
Contract Emergency Residential Services, or CERS, contract that will transition 102
existing beds in Tallahassee, Gainesville, and Ocala to the CERS program beginning
October 1, 2026.
Through the new contract, VOA Florida will provide a total of 102 dedicated CERS beds
across three Florida communities. The contract period runs from October 1, 2026, through
September 30, 2027.
The CERS bed capacity includes:
- Tallahassee: 48 beds
Tallahassee/Leon County Continuum of Care, FL-506
- Gainesville: 18 beds
Keys to Home / North Central Florida Continuum of Care, FL-508
- Ocala: 36 beds
Ocala/Marion County Continuum of Care, FL-514
These beds were previously operated as VA Grant and Per Diem, or VA-GPD, beds. Under
the new CERS contract, the beds will transition to the CERS program while continuing to
provide vital residential support for veterans experiencing homelessness or facing an
immediate risk of homelessness.
The CERS model provides veterans with residential support and services designed to help
them move toward stability and independence. Services include case management,
housing navigation, meals, laundry access, and connections to VA health care and other
essential services.
“Every veteran deserves a safe place to stay and the support needed to build a more stable
future,” said Janet Stringfellow, President and CEO of VOA Florida. “This new CERS contract
strengthens VOA Florida’s ability to provide immediate, person-centered support to veterans in three key Florida communities while helping them take the next steps toward permanent housing.”
VOA Florida remains committed to serving veterans with compassionate, practical
support. In addition to residential services, the organization connects veterans to health
care, benefits, community resources, and long-term housing solutions.
VOA Florida welcomes community partnerships that help meet essential needs for
veterans, including hygiene products, bedding, laundry and cleaning supplies,
nonperishable food, and financial contributions. These resources help create supportive,
stable environments for veterans as they work toward independence.
For more information about VOA Florida veteran services, visit www.voaflorida.org.
About VOA Florida
VOA Florida is a faith-based, human service organization that engages Floridians in need,
including unhoused Veterans, individuals and families experiencing homelessness, those
diagnosed with mental health and cognitive conditions, and vulnerable seniors. Volunteers
of America of Florida creates positive life changes through housing and supportive services
(i.e., behavioral health, case management, and more). Thousands of Floridians in-need are
served each year across the state of Florida. For more information,
visit www.voaflorida.org, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or Instagram.