News

Actions

Pasco residents worried about homeless navigation center

Pasco has about 3,300 homeless people
Posted at 6:52 PM, Jun 20, 2017
and last updated 2017-06-20 18:52:20-04

People living in the quiet Crane’s Roost subdivision are not happy about what’s coming across the street.

“It’s about a quarter or a mile from our home,” said Valerie Schafer.

They tell us they didn’t really have a say.

“We didn’t have a chance to find out all the facts about it,” said Jim Parang.

Tuesday, the Pasco County commission approved funding for what’s called a Homeless Navigation Center.

It’s housed in the former Boys and Girls Club building off Little Road.

“Anyone can come in regardless of substance abuse, mental health other issues, financial status. We want to get them stable, get them a house and get them back into the community,” said Pasco Homeless Coalition CEO Raine Johns.

Schaefer said she’s all for the program, just not the location.

“I think the people they are bringing in, there’s not going to be any vetting. That’s what we’ve been told. At first we told it was going to be for families. Now it’s going to be for individuals.”

Pasco County is second in the state with more than 3,000 homeless people. But right now, there is no shelter.

“We are giving them a tent, so they can live in the woods, because there is no place for them to go,” said Schaefer.

“It worried me because I live in a nice quiet street. and I don’t want any problems with anybody that doesn’t belong here,” said Parang.

Johns said the shelter won’t bring more crime. And if anything it should help cut down on panhandling and trespassing violations.

The center is expected to open next summer.