FAQ’s

We are not a single service provider; we are an alliance of independent nonprofits, faith-based organizations, businesses, community leaders, and independent advocates. We act as a central “hub” to coordinate data, share resources in real-time via our Partner Portal, and advocate with local officials for long-term, state-compliant shelter solutions in Putnam County.

The Coalition was founded in December 2024 by Red Conrad in partnership with organizations and independent advocates in Putnam County after identifying significant gaps in homeless services coordination. What began as a community needs assessment quickly grew into a collaborative effort among local nonprofits, faith leaders, and advocates who recognized the need for unified action.

Our partners provide the direct services (food, medical care, crisis intervention). The Coalition provides the infrastructure and advocacy. We help these organizations talk to each other so that no neighbor falls through the cracks and so that we can speak to local government with one unified, data-backed voice.

The Gloria Johnson Act is a legislative proposal we are advocating for to ensure homelessness solutions in Putnam County are permanent, state-compliant, and fiscally responsible. This act prioritizes transparency, protects the rights and dignity of those experiencing homelessness, and ensures community safety. We are working with local and state officials to advance this legislation. More information on the Gloria Johnson Act may be found here

Not yet. The Coalition’s primary goal is establishing a permanent, state-compliant shelter that meets the needs of our community. We’re currently working with local officials to identify a suitable location and secure funding. In the meantime, our partners provide emergency services including temporary shelter referrals.

Florida law requires homeless shelters to meet specific health, safety, and operational standards. A state-compliant shelter ensures that we can access state funding and that residents are in a safe, dignified environment. We’re committed to doing this right, not just quickly.

Historically, homelessness data in rural counties can be fragmented. By tracking real-time availability of beds and services, we ensure that resources are used efficiently. Accurate data also allows us to prove the scale of the need to state and federal grant-makers, bringing more resources into Putnam County.

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. For non-emergency situations, you can contact our partner organizations directly (visit the Partners section of the About Us page) or reach out to us via our Contact Page and we’ll coordinate with the appropriate service provider. Never force someone to accept help, but know that resources are available when they’re ready.

You can visit our Volunteer page to join the Rapid Response Team, join our Facebook Group and follow our Facebook Page to stay informed on legislative and other calls to action. Spreading accurate information is one of the most powerful ways to help our mission.

The Coalition itself is a coordinating body, so most volunteer opportunities are through the Rapid Response Team with our partner organizations. You can join the Rapid Response Team by visiting the Volunteer page. However, if you have skills in web development, data management, or advocacy, please reach out or visit the Join The Coalition page—we’d love to talk.

We welcome organizational partnerships! Visit the Join The Coalition page to join us. By joining us you can fulfill one (or more) of many needed tasks including data gathering, sponsoring services or collection drives for supplies and food, and much more. The more Partners in the Coalition, the quicker we can help make sure homelessness is brief and non-recurring.

Transparency is a core value of the Putnam County Homelessness Solutions Coalition and our partners. We offer two clear paths for giving:

• Direct Partner Support: For immediate needs like food, beds, or medical care, donate directly to our service partners listed on our Support The Mission page.
• Coalition Infrastructure Fund: Donations made directly to the Coalition (via our fiscal sponsor, Spiritual Messiah Ministries) are strictly restricted to coalition operations. These funds cover our digital infrastructure (this site), outreach materials, and coordination work. Donation options are also listed on the Support The Mission page.

You may contact the organization you donate to, to verify the use of funds.