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 2025 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. The Coalition held its first official meeting in January 2026 and was formally named in February 2026.

The Coalition is currently all-volunteer, including the Board. Our work is carried out by unpaid Volunteer Staff and Partners, and the Coalition is funded through fundraising, grants, and donations.

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.

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 local, state, and federal officials and grant-makers, bringing more resources into Putnam County. Partners help by contributing to monthly data compilation.

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. Read more about the Gloria Johnson Act.

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.

Start with our Partners, who provide direct services such as food, healthcare, recovery support, and referrals. You can find them in the Partners section of the About Us page, or reach us through our Contact page and we will help connect you. If you have an income source such as Social Security, disability, or work, ask about our Housing Network. Call 911 for any immediate danger or medical emergency.

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 through 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.

Heart of Putnam is already running day services for the R.I.S.E. program. To contact Red about someone who needs assistance, call or text 386-559-4023 or email Red@RedConrad.me.

A program connecting private landlords with individuals and families experiencing homelessness who have a steady income, such as Social Security, disability, or work. Partners surround each placement with support, including healthcare, recovery support, employment help, and case management. There are no fees for tenants to apply or for landlords to join. Learn how it works.

You can join the Coalition as a Partner (for organizations) or as Volunteer Staff (for individuals), or sign up for our on-call Rapid Response Team without joining. You can also 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.

Partners are organizations that join the Coalition to connect with its network and take part in data sharing. Volunteer Staff are unpaid individuals who serve the Coalition on an ongoing basis under Coalition leadership. The Rapid Response Team is an on-call group of volunteers, mainly for emergency shelter openings but also events, supply drives, and other needs. Rapid Response Team volunteers do not have to join the Coalition.

No. There are no dues. The Coalition is funded through fundraising, grants, and donations.

Yes. For an ongoing role, choose “Volunteer Staff” as your primary area of service on the Join the Coalition page. Skills in web development, data management, and advocacy are especially helpful, and we’d love to talk. If you would rather help on-call without joining, sign up for the Rapid Response Team. You can also reach out with questions.

We welcome organizational partnerships! Visit the Join the Coalition page to become a Partner and fulfill one or more of many needed tasks, including data gathering and sponsoring services or collection drives for supplies and food. Organizations can also serve as an Ambassador on the Rapid Response Team, as liaison for their church or organization, with or without joining the Coalition. The more organizations involved, the quicker we can help make sure homelessness is brief and non-recurring.

Transparency is a core value of the 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 in order to verify the use of funds.