The City of Tampa’s Homeless Outreach Team has marked its third anniversary by assisting more than 200 individuals and families, including the Best family, who were left homeless after hurricanes damaged their rental property. Harrison and Maranda Best, along with their three young sons, lost their home when back-to-back storms forced them out. After spending their savings on temporary accommodations and facing unemployment due to injury, the family was at risk of homelessness.
Founded in 2022, the Homeless Outreach Team provides services such as access to shelter beds through Tampa HOPE and Salvation Army, transportation assistance, and rental move-in support. In the case of the Best family, Outreach Coordinator Manuel Pelegri helped secure stable housing for them within a few months. The family also received help from the city’s Rental Assistance and Move-in Program (RMAP), which provided move-in assistance and a six-month rental subsidy.
“Our city’s Homeless Outreach Team exemplifies the compassion and collaboration that define Tampa’s commitment to all its residents,” said Mayor Jane Castor. “Through daily street outreach, partnerships with service providers, and direct connections to shelter and support services, they’ve not only helped individuals off the streets—they’ve helped them reclaim hope.”
Pelegri worked alongside Family Promise, a local nonprofit led by program director Edwina Reddick. Family Promise secured temporary shelter for the Bests while ensuring that they remained together as a family unit. Harrison Best credited Family Promise for helping his family avoid separation during this difficult period.
“I do believe teamwork makes the dream work,” said Family Promise’s Edwina Reddick. “And that is what Family Promise and City of Tampa did for this family, and especially for those children. We made their dream of being in their own bed and their own bedroom come true.”
Family Promise offers 90-day programs providing housing support as well as case management and financial planning for families with school-age children.
Since its inception three years ago, Tampa’s Homeless Outreach Team has permanently housed 224 households. This fiscal year alone, it has found permanent homes for nearly 110 people and placed another 76 in shelters. The team has connected almost 700 individuals to various services including shelters, diversion or reunification assistance, and transportation aid.
