Manatee County Launches Comprehensive Housing Empowerment Initiatives to Tackle Homelessness

Manatee County has unveiled a series of ambitious Housing Empowerment Initiatives aimed at addressing the region's growing homelessness crisis. These initiatives, led by the Board of County Commissioners in collaboration with local organizations, target specific homeless populations, including single adults, families with children, and veterans. The programs prioritize not only providing shelter but also offering tailored support services for each group.

According to recent data, approximately 352 individuals in Manatee County are homeless, with a significant portion lacking shelter. The County’s new plans will focus on several key projects. The Under One Roof initiative, targeting single women, aims to open by summer 2025 with an initial capacity of up to 20 beds and the potential for expansion. The Fresh Start project will support single men and is slated for a 2026 launch, with plans to locate near the county jail.

Families with children will benefit from a new partnership with the Salvation Army, which will provide housing and support services. Additionally, Bradenton Veterans Village, expected to be completed by the end of 2025, will offer permanent housing for veterans on a large campus with comprehensive on-site services.

Further projects include Cedar Cove, which will serve homeless individuals with special needs and offer 80 housing units, and Hope Village, set to open in April 2025, which will provide housing for employed parents and their children.

The County's initiatives reflect a shift in homelessness policy, aligning with the new Florida House Bill 1365, which restricts camping on public property. The initiatives aim not only to house those in need but also to provide a foundation for sustainable recovery and reintegration, fostering long-term stability within the community.