Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Service Provision Drop In Center topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Lotus Coalition describes $100,000 county grant to open drop‑in center, expand safe housing and outreach
Summary
The nonprofit Lotus Coalition told the commission it has received a one‑time $100,000 award from the county to open a drop‑in center at 2208 E. Columbus and to expand safe housing, mobile outreach, Narcan distribution and peer supports for survivors and people at risk of homelessness.
The Lotus Coalition told the Hillsborough County Commission on Human Trafficking it has been awarded $100,000 in one‑time county funding to expand safe housing, operate a drop‑in center and scale mobile outreach services across the Tampa Bay area.
Paula LaRue, director of the Lotus Coalition, and April Arnold, an outreach coordinator and survivor leader with the organization, described planned uses for the funds: operating a drop‑in center at 2208 E. Columbus, increased safe‑housing capacity (including men’s and LGBTQ‑specific beds), mobile outreach teams, Narcan distribution and training, and case management to connect survivors and other underserved residents to services. LaRue said the agency already runs outreach trips and three extended‑foster‑care houses for 18‑ to 24‑year‑olds and that the county award will allow the organization to scale its existing work.
April Arnold, a survivor leader who described 14 years of exploitation and more than 18 years working on outreach and survivor services, told the commission that stable housing and a place to shower and receive immediate services were decisive in her own recovery and are central to the Lotus Coalition’s approach. “Housing is a very, very important part of getting out of human trafficking,” Arnold said. She said the drop‑in center will provide showers, clothes, GED services in partnership with local funders, phone charging, case management and referrals; she added that Lotus already accepts referrals and runs multiple monthly outreach events.
Commission members praised the organization’s hands‑on approach. A commissioner who volunteers with Lotus called the award “money well spent” and commended the group’s boots‑on‑the‑ground model. LaRue said that, while some county money has been received, Lotus also relies on other grants and donations to sustain longer‑term operations.
LaRue and Arnold encouraged referrals and volunteers and asked stakeholders to share the new center’s contact information with partners who may refer survivors or people at immediate risk.
