Escambia County Launches Program to Help Homeless Individuals Return Home
On Monday, February 12, Escambia County made headlines with the launch of a new initiative aimed at assisting individuals experiencing homelessness in Pensacola. The program, dubbed the Real Change Project Reconnect, seeks to provide a lifeline for those who find themselves stranded in the area without the resources to return to supportive environments. This initiative comes at a time when the community is grappling with rising homelessness and the challenges that accompany it.
A Personal Story of Struggle and Hope
One poignant example of the program’s impact is the story of Sean Scarbrough, a 32-year-old man who has been living on the streets of Downtown Pensacola for the past year and a half. Originally from Tennessee, Scarbrough moved to Pensacola to honor his late mother, who had always dreamed of visiting the city. However, his hopes for a fresh start quickly turned into a struggle for survival, as he faced homelessness, relying on dumpster diving and the kindness of strangers to get by.
Scarbrough’s situation took a turn for the better when he was offered a bus ticket back home through the Real Change Project Reconnect. Overwhelmed with gratitude, he accepted the offer and was on a Greyhound bus back to Tennessee within two days, where friends and family awaited his return. “I was asleep on the sidewalk, and an officer I’ve known for a little bit told me that there are people that can help me get back home,” Scarbrough shared, reflecting on the kindness that changed his life.
The Real Change Project Reconnect
The Real Change Project Reconnect is a pilot program designed to assist individuals like Scarbrough who find themselves in precarious situations without a support system. The program covers the cost of bus or plane tickets for those who wish to return to a place where they have family or friends willing to help them rebuild their lives. Referrals can come from community partners, including law enforcement and outreach organizations.
Tom Edmiston, a Community Response Specialist with the Pensacola Police, played a crucial role in connecting Scarbrough with the program. “If there’s anybody that I’m thankful to help, it’s this young man,” Edmiston remarked. “He needs to be around people that care for him. He needs to see how valuable he is.”
Addressing the Root Causes of Homelessness
Liz Kissel, the grants and special projects manager for Escambia County, developed the Real Change Project Reconnect based on successful models from other communities. The initiative aims to address the underlying issues that lead to homelessness, such as individuals arriving in the area under false pretenses—believing they had jobs or housing that ultimately fell through.
Recent data from the Point-in-Time Count, which surveys individuals experiencing homelessness, indicated that many want to leave their current situation if given the opportunity. Of the over 500 respondents, more than 150 expressed a desire to return home. “Those are really the people that we’re trying to help,” Kissel emphasized.
How the Program Works
The program operates in partnership with Ministry Village at Olive, a faith-based nonprofit that provides various services to those in need. Ministry Village coordinates travel plans, ensuring participants have necessary documentation, such as a photo ID, and that someone will be there to meet them upon arrival. Eligibility criteria include having no outstanding warrants and a verified support system at the destination.
Drayton Smith, the executive director of Ministry Village, clarified the program’s intent: “We want to help people who want it and need it.” The initiative is not designed for individuals seeking free travel to continue a transient lifestyle; rather, it focuses on reconnecting people with their support systems to help them establish stable lives.
Early Successes and Future Prospects
Since its launch in early February, the Real Change Project Reconnect has already facilitated the return of three individuals, including Scarbrough. The first two participants were brothers who had been panhandling and sleeping on the streets. After the city implemented stricter ordinances against panhandling, they seized the opportunity to return home to their father in Alabama.
Scarbrough noted that the increased enforcement of laws affecting the homeless population also influenced his decision to leave. “I got tired of it. I just want to go back home,” he said.
Community Involvement and Future Evaluations
Escambia County initiated the program with a budget of $30,000, operating on a reimbursement basis. Community partners interested in learning more about the program can attend a meeting scheduled for February 13 at the Escambia County Public Safety Building.
Kissel indicated that the program’s success will be evaluated based on data collected during its operation. So far, feedback from community partners has been positive, and there is hope that the initiative will continue beyond its pilot phase. “We need to be able to connect people to bring them back home to shine; that’s important for them,” Edmiston concluded.
As Scarbrough prepares to reunite with his loved ones, he reflects on his journey with a mix of hope and exhaustion. “It has been fun, but it’s also been draining at the same time. I’d like to get back into car detailing,” he said. His story is a testament to the power of community support and the potential for change when individuals are given the opportunity to reconnect with their roots.