CHIP's emergency shelter facility is located at 1339 Park Street, a block south of Cleveland Street. CHIP shares this location with the St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen - which provides hot meals for many local residents, including CHIP clients. Clearwater Police Department also operates a community policing substation here, bringing a higher level of security to clients and surrounding neighbors.
Homelessness is a tough, complex issue.
Many believe it's the choice or fault of the homeless person. Sometimes it is, and sometimes it isn't. Most folks are only three weeks from being homeless - they only have enough money to pay a week or two of rent along with their other living expenses. Often there is no easy, one-step solution to homelessness. Many different steps may need to be taken - counseling, substance abuse intervention, health and dental care, job skill training, employment, budget and savings plans.