Manatee County outlines multi-site plan to expand shelters, tailor services and move toward zero encampments

Commissioners on the Manatee County Board on April 1 heard a consultant ssessment that lays out a multi-site approach to homelessness, recommending distinct facilities and clinical tracks for families, veterans, women and adult men and urging a shift to round‑the‑clock outreach and a zero‑encampment policy after shelter capacity is in place.

The plan presented by consultant Dr. Marvitt and homeless services staff recommends three near‑term facilities: a women—enter called "Under 1 Roof" in partnership with Helping Up Mission, a men—enter led by the Manatee County Sheriff epartment called Fresh Start Manatee, and an expanded Salvation Army family shelter with space for 26 families. "If we can keep kids out of foster care, we are doing an amazing thing for the future of Manatee County," Commissioner Richard Ballard said in introducing the item.

Why it matters: County and city leaders told commissioners the new configuration is intended to replace fragmented, single‑service sites with cohort‑specific programs that provide stabilized clinical care (mental health and substance use treatment), case management and workforce supports. Presenters and nonprofit leaders said the approach aims to stop the inflow of newly…