The City of Fort Pierce entered into an agreement with St. Lucie County on May 6, 2024, to provide homeless services as part of our community's efforts to address homelessness. The allocation of $125,000 covers staffing and operational costs at the Housing HUB, a 24-bed shelter for adult men, and the development of a Women’s Facility.

On August 12, 2024, Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council requested St. Lucie County to broaden the use of these funds to address homelessness beyond the Housing Hub and to extend the contract term by one year. Consequently, the Interlocal Funding Agreement between the City of Fort Pierce and St. Lucie County for Homeless Services needs to be amended. The St. Lucie County Board of Commissioners approved Amendment No. 1 to the Housing Hub Grant Agreement between St. Lucie County and Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council, Inc. on December 10, 2024.

• Street Outreach and Shelter Intake: With the increase in homeless individuals camping in public spaces, the demand for street outreach services has grown. TCHSC’s trained outreach staff plays a critical role in engaging these individuals and directing them to appropriate services. The passage of House Bill 1365, which bans camping in public areas, heightens the need for effective triage and shelter placement. Expanding funding to support outreach will help address this need.
• St. Lucie County Director Position: St. Lucie County has made the largest contribution to combating homelessness among the three counties served by TCHSC. In response to the county’s commitment, TCHSC has hired a director to oversee interagency coordination and planning. The proposed amendment would allow reimbursement for key deliverables associated with this role, ensuring seamless collaboration and enhanced program oversight.
• Certification for Homeless Individuals: The DMV requires homeless individuals to present a Certification of Homeless Status in order to obtain an ID at no cost. Previously handled by the Community Services department, TCHSC has agreed to take on this responsibility. In doing so, TCHSC can use the opportunity to assess the individual’s needs and connect them to available services, increasing the chances of enrollment in supportive programs.
• Move-In Rental Assistance: Once individuals are prepared to transition from homelessness to stable housing, the costs associated with moving into a rental property, such as first and last month’s rent and security deposits, can be prohibitive. The proposed amendment would allow funds to cover these expenses, along with up to two months of stability support, ensuring individuals can secure housing and free up shelter space for others in need.