VIDEO: Tarpon Police Hit Streets to Help Homeless
The Tarpon Springs Police Department is doing its best in offering positive alternatives for the local homeless community.
Almost 200 people have been helped off the streets of Tarpon Springs in the past three years thanks to the help of a patrol officer, a mental health caseworker and other resources around town.
The Tarpon Springs Police Department expanded Officer Jose Yourgules' role in 2010. His added duties included the title of Homeless Outreach Officer.
"Yourgules has a real knack for dealing with these people," Tarpon Springs Police Chief Robert Kochen said.
A handful of cities in Pinellas County have Homeless Outreach teams, but Yourgules, 46, is the lone Outreach Officer in Tarpon Springs due to the size of the department and the city.
"I am the team in Tarpon Springs," Yourgules explained.
Yourgules' Mondays are married to the streets of Tarpon Springs, from visiting homeless camps to keeping an eye on his potential successes.
Part of the job involves Yourgules meeting new members of the homeless community and talking to them about the alternatives that are available.
Rehabilitative services, counseling and job training are some of the free offerings. But more often than not, it's still not enough to deter people from the homeless lifestyle, according to Yourgules.
"You can't help someone that doesn't want to be helped," Yourgules explained.
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In Tarpon Springs, homeless are able to receive a free, hot meal seven days a week at a few different facilities, including St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, St. Timothy's Lutheran Church and the Community Building across from City Hall.
Three days a week, G.R.A.C.E. Chapel opens its doors to the homeless for free showers, a meal and the freedom to use a washer and dryer.
The Tarpon Springs Shepherd Center also offers a number of outreach programs including food, clothing and even furniture.
Yourgules said the rate of success is never predictable.
He said that one week there could be five people looking for a way out followed by a week of no activity.
Yourgules and other officers have a flyer they hand out to locals that distinguishes the difference between a hand up and a handout.
According to Yourgules, handouts only multiply the homeless issue.
Instead of giving away cash, Tarpon Springs residents are encouraged to donate to one of these local facilities:
Although the reward of helping a fellow citizen find stability is hefty, the majority of the homeless community are content as is, according to Officer Yourgules.
"They're comfortable with us and they'll talk to us, but they don't always tell us what we want to hear," Yourgules said. "We want to hear that they're ready to leave the street and try something."
Nevertheless, Yourgules stays focused on the mission at hand: helping the homeless.
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In This article
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Tarpon Springs Police Department
444 S Huey Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL -
Tarpon Springs Shepherd Center
780 S Pinellas Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL -
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Robert Kochen
9:46 am on Thursday, February 7, 2013
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!! 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!!
Chief R. Kochen T.S.P.D.
Chief Robert Kochen
9:47 am on Thursday, February 7, 2013
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!! 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!!
Chief R. Kochen T.S.P.D.
The Chief
10:54 am on Thursday, February 7, 2013
This is a social services issue. When the police are performing this task, they're not doing police work. Leave this to the social workers and let the police do their mission...protecting us.
Patsy Renz
5:10 pm on Thursday, February 7, 2013
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.
Federal Reporter
12:09 pm on Thursday, February 7, 2013
Chief Kochen it is very admirable that the city took this approach to help the less unfortunate individuals in our society. More than most people do. Thank you for reaching out and as a resident fo Tarpon Springs I am proud of our department. Good work!!
Robin Saenger
4:29 pm on Thursday, February 7, 2013
Officer Yourgules has made a true difference by placing 200 street homeless into programs and off the street and is providing an important piece of the solution! Kudos to Officer Yourgules, to Chief Kochen for his leadership and to TSPD. Street homeless Individuals are the most visible, but the homeless also include families and children. In 2007 there were 942 homeless students in Pinellas County. In 2013, that number has increased to more than 3,000.
To solve the issue, we need to address it at many levels beginning with the
understanding of the causes of what leads to homelessness. Addressing those will lead to true solutions. It is a complex issue with many faces and facets. We are fortunate to have so many agencies, churches and individuals here in Tarpon who are working together to provide support to our homeless residents whether they are on the streets, families living in their cars, or students in our schools.
Sheri E.
4:30 pm on Thursday, February 7, 2013
I see Officer Yourgules often, as I am an employee for St. Timothy Lutheran Church. He is an incredible help to us in helping us handle the homeless community. We do everything we can, but when we need that extra helping hand, he is always here - as is the entire Tarpon Springs Police Dept. Say what you will, but they ARE doing police work. My heartfelt thanks to Officer Yourgules and the entire Tarpon Springs Police force.
Jim Bouldin
7:59 am on Friday, February 8, 2013
Robin hit the nail on the head, 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.
We are truly blessed to have solid commitment from our Police Chief on this matter as well as a street-wise officer such as Mr. Yourgules in the trenches armed with resources that can help those who have a desire to take positive steps towards self improvement.