Sarasota Commission approves $410,365 agreement with Salvation Army to expand homeless outreach beds

The City Commission unanimously approved an agreement for outreach beds with the Salvation Army on Feb. 2.

Shelley Legarski, the city’s Homelessness Response Coordinator, explained the program is a housing‑first partnership that provides bed space and connects people to wraparound services including mental health, employment programs and substance‑use treatment. Staff said the city has funded 25 beds with the capacity to expand, and that clients pay no fee to enter the service.

Commissioners questioned utilization and coordination with county shelters; Legarski said December–January averages showed roughly 17–23 individuals overnight in the city’s beds, that the county has additional beds and that staffing constraints can impact bed availability. She also said criminal diversion and community‑care court are mechanisms to connect people into services when appropriate.

Commissioner Ahern Koch moved approval of the FY25–26 agreement for $410,365 and the motion passed by roll call vote without dissent.

The contract binds the city and the Salvation Army to continue intake and transitions into longer‑term supports. Staff said they would report back as point‑in‑time counts and HUD reporting are reconciled.