The Clearwater Neighborhood & Affordable Housing Advisory Board convened on April 9, 2024, to discuss various initiatives aimed at supporting local youth and addressing housing needs in the community. The meeting featured presentations from representatives of local organizations, including the Boys and Girls Clubs and Catholic Charities Diocese of Saint Petersburg.

The session began with Mister Becker addressing the board regarding the tracking of students residing in Clearwater. He noted that while they do not have direct access to student data from Pinellas County schools, they are collaborating with school administrators to better understand the demographics of students attending Clearwater Intermediate. This school serves students from fifth to tenth grade, with plans to expand to twelfth grade in the coming years. Becker emphasized the importance of supporting youth as they transition into adulthood, including providing employment opportunities for those aging out of the system.

Following this discussion, Sarah Cain from Catholic Charities presented on the services offered at Pinellas Hope, a shelter for individuals transitioning to self-sufficiency. Cain highlighted the organization's commitment to assisting Clearwater residents, noting that last fiscal year, they provided shelter services to 409 individuals from Clearwater, with a current success rate of 46% for those served this year. She underscored the rapid exit program, which aims to help individuals move out of shelter within three months, and expressed confidence in the program's effectiveness based on decades of experience in the community.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the ongoing collaboration between local organizations and the city to enhance support systems for youth and address housing challenges. The board plans to continue monitoring these initiatives and their impact on the Clearwater community.