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Maggie Rogers, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg is interviewed for a news segment on EWTN about Pinellas Hope and Tampa Hope. Courtesy Photo.
 | Teresa Peterson

Catholic Charities Receives National Attention for Responding to Homelessness

Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg (CCDOSP) partnered with Catholic Charities USA to host a forum in St. Petersburg on March 14 and 15, 2024, to respond to the rise in homelessness and Florida's House Bill 1365 that requires counties to move the homeless from public spaces to designated public lands. Participants discussed current challenges, ideas and solutions, and models of best practice for addressing homelessness.

“With homelessness on the rise in large part due to higher prices on everything from gas to rent to groceries and then factoring in House Bill 1365, this meeting couldn't be more timely," said Maggie Rogers, CCDOSP Executive Director.

Over the past few weeks, Catholic Charities has received local and national media attention by showcasing Pinellas Hope and Tampa Hope as effective solutions for addressing homelessness.

Rogers told WTSP recently, “I do think the need for us will become greater. I do foresee that we will have to increase our bed capacity.” However, she cautioned that would only be possible with financial support and careful planning.

Tampa Hope was also featured in a segment on “EWTN News In Depth.”

“Tampa Hope is a shelter for those experiencing homeless, but we’re more than just a shelter,” Eric Marrero told EWTN recently.

Both homeless shelters operated by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg provide meals, access to restrooms, showers and laundry facilities, and case managers to provide wrap-around services such as help finding permanent housing, medical/dental care and education assistance.

Below are recent news reports that feature Catholic Charities:

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