Organization provides permanent housing for 80 men and women across Sarasota
For 12 women in Sarasota, healing began when the Second Heart Homes organization recently opened two new duplex homes in downtown Sarasota, expanding its supportive housing efforts from 11 to 13 dwellings and increasing to 80 the total number of formerly homeless men and women whom it has housed, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit has announced.
“A $100,000 gift from new supporter Maryann Kolb, made in honor of her mother, Mary Helen Mullaney, funded the renovation of four kitchens and four bathrooms in the duplexes,” a news release explains. “The improvements provided the women with updated, functional spaces where they can cook, care for themselves, and feel at home,” the release continues.
The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce celebrated the homes with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by community supporters, including long-time Sarasota Realtor Michael Saunders, “who personally joined team members in welcoming residents with curated purses, her signature scarves and other thoughtful touches designed to help each woman feel seen and valued,” the release notes.
“Supporters of Second Heart Homes also sponsored and assembled beds for the new residences, helping create warm, welcoming spaces for the women moving into the homes,” the release adds.
“It was important for us to open these homes because we had a growing number of single women on our waiting list,” said Megan Howell, founder and executive director of Second Heart Homes, in the release. “When the opportunity arose to purchase homes close to transportation, employment, health care, spiritual communities and safe neighborhoods, we knew these spaces would help women rebuild their lives with stability and dignity,” Howell added in the release.
“Unlike many housing organizations, Second Heart Homes operates without government funding, relying instead on local philanthropy, community partnerships and resident contributions,” the release points out.
“Residents contribute when they are able, helping foster independence, dignity and a sense of ownership in their next chapter,” Howell noted in the release.
“Founded in Sarasota, Second Heart Homes provides permanent supportive housing for men and women who have experienced homelessness, mental illness and other significant challenges,” the release explains. “Its housing model centers on stability, community and long-term support designed to help residents remain housed and connected.”
For more information about Second Heart Homes and its effective housing model, visit SecondHeartHomes.org.