EXTENDED HOMELESS HERO NOMINATIONS SUBMISSIONS

We know that there are people in our community doing great things to help our homeless and near homeless neighbors than the number of nominations we've received. We've extended the deadline for nomination submissions until 5 p.m. on Monday, November 1.

It takes just 10-15 minutes to complete the nomination form! Please take 15-20 minutes and for you to recognize you co-workers, colleagues, neighbors, friends, volunteers, any one you know or work with that goes above and beyond the call of duty.

Who is eligible for nomination?
Nomination Form
Any person who, in the opinion of the nominator, has made a difference working with or on behalf of our homeless neighbors in Hillsborough County through education, service, advocacy, organizing, leadership and/or perseverance during 2009-2010 (July 1, 2009-June 30, 2010) is eligible for nomination.

All nominees will be recognize at the Coalition's annual meeting on Friday, November 12 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Sheraton Suites on Cypress.

Who can make a nomination?

Any person working at one of the Coalition member agencies or individual members. Want to make a nomination but not a member? Simply submit your membership with your nomination. Not only will you be able to make a nomination; you will receive 2 complementary seats at the annual meeting.

What are the award categories?

Direct Service: a person who provides direct assistance (case management, food assistance, volunteer receptionists, employment training, etc.) to homeless and/or near homeless people through their employment with an organization, volunteer work or personal efforts.

Advocacy/Awareness Building: a person who works to make systemic change through educating the general public, governmental employees and/or elected officials about the needs of our homeless neighbors in Hillsborough County and how their efforts and actions can positively affect the lives of homeless people.

Homeless/Formerly Homeless: a person who is currently or formerly homeless who is working to meet the immediate needs of homeless people and/or working for systemic change to create long-term solutions addressing the underlying causes and remove barriers.

How do I nominate someone?

Simply complete the nomination form and return to the Coalition no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, November 1, 2010. It is a one page form and a brief description of why you know this person is a homeless hero.


If you have questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Lesa Weikel at Lesa@homelessofhc.org or (813) 223-6115.

2011 Homeless Count Implementation Meeting

With just a few months left before the biennial homeless count in Hillsborough County (January 27, 2011), the Coalition will hold its first count information and implementation meeting on Wednesday, October 20 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Agency for Community Treatment Services (ACTS), 4612 N. 56th Street., Tampa 33610. During the meeting, we will be sharing why we do the count, how the data helps our community, a new process to help reach all area of Hillsborough County through small group/faith communities, counting doubled up households this year; and how vital organizations and community members help is critical to the success of the 2011 homeless count. For more information contact Jack Garrett at Jack@homelessofhc.org or (813) 223-6115.

“Putting on clean, dry jeans in the morning is something that most of us take for granted"



Give Jeans a Chance



One Tampa woman found a way to help our homeless neighbors by Giving Jeans a Chance.  Tamela Hope found the Give jeans a chance progam online and decied this was one way she could help.

This is the second year that Volcom, in partnership with the National Coalition for the Homeless has sponsored the jeans recycling program.  In 2009 more than 5,000 pairs of jeans were collected by 100 North American storesfeaturing Volcom product and then donated to fifty local homeless shelters across the country. This year Volcom is hoping to collect upwards of 10,000 pairs from more than 300 participating stores around the world.

Ms. Hope and her co-workers at Quest Dianostics collected 193 pairs of blue jeans.  They were brought to the Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County on Friday. 

Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County works in partnership with the National Coalition for the Homeless by sponsoring two AmeriCorps*Vista volunteers. 

The blue jeans will be distributed next week to local shelters. 

Thank you to Ms. Hope and all those that donated! 

COALITION MEETING TOMORROW

Don't forget the Coalition's October meeting is tomorrow (Thursday, October 7) at the Agency for Community Treatment Services (ACTS), 4216 N. 56th Street, Tampa, 33610. Networking begins at 8:30 a.m.; meeting from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Please review, print and bring the meeting packet with you.  To Print Packet Click Here

Tomorrow's meeting includes the following presentations:

• Homeless Helping Homeless

• LIHEP (tentative)

• 2011 Homeless Count

The Coalition meeting is open to anyone who wants to help our homeless neighbors through collaboration.

Please note: there will be an HPRP partners meeting following the Coalition meeting. The partners meeting will start around 10:15 a.m.