Safe Children Coalition nearing Phase I goal for Youth Shelter Campaign

Local child welfare agency Safe Children Coalition (SCC) is inching closer to a major milestone in its effort to build a new Youth Shelter for homeless children in Florida’s Circuit 12 (Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties): the organization is nearing the Phase I goal of $9 million, which will cover the construction costs for the new facility.

Numerous donors and foundations have helped SCC in its efforts to reach the campaign milestone as well as generous support from the State of Florida. In August, Florida State Rep. Fiona McFarland, who has been instrumental in securing a total of $2.25 million in state appropriations over the past three years – including a recent grant of $500,000, allocated by the Department of Juvenile Justice, on the final day of the Florida Legislature's session in mid-June – visited the new Youth Shelter site and participated in a ceremonial check presentation.

The goal for the new Youth Shelter – which will be located on Sawyer Road in north Sarasota, on two acres of land – is to reduce waiting lists for homeless youths and protect more at-risk teens in our community. The nearly 9,000-square-foot building will provide safe temporary emergency housing for children and teens ages 10-17, providing nearly 3,000 safe shelter bed-nights a year and serving up to 200 youths annually for many years to come.

The Youth Shelter is the only facility designated for homeless teens in Sarasota and DeSoto counties; it serves youths from Manatee County as well. Many of the teens served enter the shelter because of a mental health crisis and/or a parent’s inability to cope with a youth’s behavioral issues. In recent years, the SCC Youth Shelter has been at or near the top in facility utilization out of the 16 shelters in the Florida network, exceeding contracted bed days.

“Our Youth Shelter Campaign has truly been a grassroots effort; there are so many who have contributed their time, expertise and resources to help this dream come to fruition,” said SCC President and CEO Brena Slater. “We are immensely grateful to all who have supported the effort thus far – including the members of the Florida Legislature – so that we can better serve and protect at-risk youth in our community.”

The exterior construction is well underway – SCC leaders expect the facility to be up and running by fall of 2026. Once the Phase I fundraising goal is met, the organization will embark on Phase II, which will help to furnish the facility.

For more about Safe Children Coalition, or to learn how you can support the Youth Shelter campaign, visit sccyouthshelter.org or contact Jacqueline House at jhouse@sccfl.org or 941-371-4799, ext. 1127.

About Safe Children Coalition
Safe Children Coalition, Inc. (SCC) serves as the lead agency for community-based care for Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. SCC is a collaboration between local community agencies who provide services to children and families in need. SCC is committed to protecting children and youth, strengthening families, and building community. The core functions provided by SCC include child welfare case management, foster care, adoption, independent living, prevention, diversion, quality management, and support services. Visit sccfl.org or call 941-371-4799.