Did you know there are approximately 1,550 homeless people living in Hillsborough County? This survey was conducted in 2017 and does not take into account people living in their cars. Hillsborough County spends about $4 million per year to provide 392 shelter beds and 20 apartments. Local agencies such as Metropolitan Ministries and Salvation Army are doing great work, but both say the need is still great.
Hope Effect also ministers to the large homeless and transient population of central Tampa through No Strings Attached. This ministry is led by Andre Kirwan and is also growing very rapidly. Every year on Thanksgiving and Christmas mornings, volunteers from across the Bay Area gather downtown to provide hundreds of people with gently used clothing and encouragement.
Last year, No Strings Attached was able to distribute 40,000 articles of clothing and other donated supplies.
You can get involved as a participant on Thanksgiving and Christmas mornings. Participants help sort clothing and help our homeless guests find clothing in their sizes. You can also donate new or gently used clothing and shoes through out the year.
For more information: Visit www.nosacares.org or call 813-960-3030.