Homeless Outreach Officer's Work Supported by Residents

Tarpon Springs is known for its strong Greek community and long has been a tourist destination for its seafaring culture.

But there is another side to Tarpon that many locals rarely see.

There are a small number of homeless adults living in Tarpon Springs at any given time. A recent Tampa Bay Times article put the number at about 40 adults.

They may be mostly invisible to people going about their everyday lives. It is the job of the city's Homeless Outreach Officer Jose Yourgules to try to direct the homeless to shelters and support services.

Yourgles estimates he has assisted about 200 homeless adults in three years.

"When you are assisting approximately 200 homeless persons off the streets and into programs that can enhance their lives - that's what I call making a difference!" said Tarpon Springs Chief Robert Kochen about a recent Patch profile of the officer's work.

"This is a real 'grass roots' team effort with all of the groups mentioned in this article. Excellent work to all involved with our homeless initiatives!"

But Yourgles' ability to help some of the destitute people is limited when alcoholism and mental illness are factors. Often people are directed to the Pinellas Safe Harbor in Largo, but they may refuse to go. They may stop taking medication that keeps them stable.

Tarpon's Homeless Outreach Officer told the Tampa Bay Times:

"We can't force people to do things," he said. "We can't force them to go to their medical appointments."

Residents seem to understand the challenges of helping the homeless to ensuring the quality of life for everyone in the city. 

Commented Patsy Renz on the Tarpon Springs Patch:
"This may be a social services issue, but the police to a good job of protecting us by addressing social issues. Officer Yourgules has done a very good job protecting us by helping some of the homeless lead productive lives. Thank you Tarpon Springs Police Dept."

Resident Jim Bouldin agreed:
"Being proactive is the answer and a closer examination of the root causes of this growing problem of homelessness is necessary in order to better understand and treat the young and old affected by this harsh reality of life during these most difficult times."

There are other local resources for the homeless, which provide food and other care. Those agencies include the  St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, St. Timothy's Lutheran Church and the Community Building across from City Hall.

Other resources are:

• The Shepherd Center
• The Salvation Army
• G.R.A.C.E. Chapel

More Coverage

VIDEO: Tarpon Police Hit Streets to Help Homeless

Is There a Homelessness Issue in Tarpon Springs?

Reader Spotlight: 'We Need to Put Tarpon Back Together'

Sign up for the free Tarpon Springs Patch email newsletter to stay connected to your community.