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County is swamped

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By LAURA KINSLER

lkinsler@tampatrib.com

Published: November 1, 2009

DADE CITY - Pasco County officials say they seriously underestimated the demand for federal stimulus money intended to prevent homelessness, and they are being overwhelmed with calls for help.

The county distributed $1 million to Pasco County Human Services, the housing authority and a host of nonprofit organizations. The money is intended to help people stay in their homes if they are in the process of being evicted or to assist those who are already homeless with rent and security deposits.

But some people who have called for help are being told that Human Services counselors won't be able to see them until December.

"We did not foresee the demand," program director Eugene Williams said. "Human Services is backed up for two months. We need volunteers to answer the phones. We're getting slammed with people who are behind on their rent or behind on their utility bills and want the government to bail them out."
Pasco County Human Services has already seen 50 people in two weeks, and there are only two counselors. The biggest problem is that most of the people who need assistance are not eligible to receive it.

"They have to have some income so they can maintain the housing after the grant runs out," Williams said.

The Salvation Army received $50,000 to provide immediate, short-term housing assistance. The Homeless Coalition received $25,000. Williams said the agencies agreed to shift some of their funding for emergency assistance, such as motel vouchers, for the people who are in dire need.

"There's just not enough money for everyone," Williams said. "We have to choose the people who are the most needy - if a person is going to lose their living quarters or if a family is living in the Wal-Mart parking lot."

Families with children will go to the front of the line, which could leave little to no money for single adults.

GETTING HELP

If you are at risk of becoming homeless, call Pasco County Human Services.

•8620 Galen Wilson Blvd., Port Richey, FL 34668; (727) 834-3297

•13853 15th St. Dade City, FL 33525; (352) 521-5173

Reporter Laura Kinsler can be reached at (813) 259-8109.

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