Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/218481
Sarasota News Leader November 29, 2013 Page 16 "I think we will do some real good here," he It would house about 225 people, he added. added. Another important element is that it have sufHe scheduled the interview before another ficient buffering between it and surrounding meeting with local leaders to come up with a residences and businesses, Marbut said. concrete plan for carrying out his 12 strategic Regardless of functions or site plans, Marbut recommendations. pointed out that the shelter would not be a solution in itself. NOT JUST A BOX The working name for the new shelter is "If the community looks at this [center] as just "Sarasota Safe Harbor," after Pinellas Safe a box, it doesn't make sense," Marbut told the News Leader Tuesday. Harbor, a facility that has inspired advoCommunity resicates for a Sarasota This is going to take some political dents have to stop center. will, but we need to keep it going. enabling homelessFor the Sarasota facility to function well, including meeting its goal of graduating homeless people from the street to homes, it needs to include services such as job training and mental health counseling, and it must be clean and safe, Marbut told the boards on Monday. ness, and that means stopping street feeding and giving money to panhandlers. "The community is part of this," Marbut said. Joe Barbetta Commissioner Sarasota County In addition, law enforcement officers, social service workers and existing service providers and foundations have to collaborate to get people into the facility. (From left) County Commissioner Charles Hines, City Commissioner Suzanne Atwell, County Commissioner Nora Patterson, City Commissioner Susan Chapman and Sheriff Tom Knight consider the proposals. Photo by Norman Schimmel