Commission backs renewal and funding for homelessness services, rapid rehousing contracts

Michael Rapoza, CEO of St. Vincent de Paul CARES, told the board the county’s rapid rehousing collaboration (with 2‑1‑1 Tampa Bay) began in 2017 and has placed hundreds of households into housing. "We've served 793 households since that time... 81 percent have been housed," Rapoza said, citing an 81% success rate and noting 61.5% of those served included families with children.

Staff recommended a five‑year renewal of the contract for adult emergency financial assistance and a multi‑year agreement for rapid rehousing providers; the board approved the funding recommendations and motions unanimously. City representatives and partner agencies, including the city of St. Petersburg, spoke in favor of continuing the partnership and confirmed local matching and ongoing funding in their FY27 budgets.

Commissioners asked for future work sessions to review program scope and to avoid duplicative services across providers; staff noted the awards are intended to support short‑term housing stability and to coordinate with the county’s continuing homelessness strategy.