Emergency Shelter

Pinellas Hope I
(727) 556-6397
On December 7, 2007, Catholic Charities established Pinellas Hope to serve up to 250 street homeless adults by providing temporary emergency shelter (consisting of individual-sized tents). The shelter was developed in partnership with the interfaith community, local government, businesses and other not-for-profits. Pinellas Hope is located in Clearwater (Pinellas Park) on 20 acres of land provided by Bishop Robert N. Lynch and the Diocese of St. Petersburg.  Intake is facilitated by three Community Outreach teams and is conducted once weekly. Residents are assisted with three daily meals, transportation, case management to help them navigate towards self-sufficiency, and services including education, mental health and substance abuse counseling, employment assistance and an array of other social services.

Facilities include a pavilion where residents gather for social or program/professional events and communal dining. There are separate men’s and women’s bathroom and shower facilities, as well as a library, computer room and laundry room (with multiple washers and dryers).

In spring 2016, Hope Cottages (TM) were established to replace tents and provide residents with greater safety, security and comfort. Hope Cottages are 3 individual rooms built from 20-foot shipping containers. Each one has comforts of air conditioning, a bed with mattress, overhead light, USB and electrical outlets and a window for natural light. The containers can withstand Category IV hurricane winds and has a lockable door with a peephole and exterior light. By the Fall of 2019, ninety-nine units of housing were completed and ready for occupation by the Fall of 2019.

Since its inception, Pinellas Hope has served over 12,000 individuals with more than 5,000 having achieved successful outcomes: moving to stable, permanent housing and/or realizing an income or increased income.