City of Clearwater, Florida:

The Community and its History of Community Policing

Clearwater Homeless Intervention Project (CHIP)

In 1996, a task force was formed to design a program that would not only take in the chronically homeless, but help them build self-esteem, set goals, get jobs, and take them off the streets for good.

The CHIP Facility is located at 1339 Park Street, Clearwater, FL 33756 (727) 466-6612

This program is now called the Clearwater Homeless Intervention Project (CHIP) and is doing a world of good for those who call the streets of Clearwater their home. At CHIP, the work is about compassionate relationship building and giving homeless people the encouragement and respect they need to strike out on their own. They are given resources that help them get their feet on the ground and redirect their lives. Residents work with an Intervention Program Case Manager on a personal plan that guides what happens to them after entering the shelter.

Each resident must find a job, or be diligently looking for one, within seven days of entering the shelter or they're asked to leave. After they have found a job, they can stay as long as needed to save money and find adequate housing. Also, each resident must make a list of goals he or she wants to accomplish before moving out of the shelter.

The CHIP Shelter is in critical need of monetary donations, especially major gifts and sustaining annual gifts. CHIP would also like to encourage local businesses to create jobs for residents of the shelter. CHIP welcomes fundraising events, gifts like toiletries, birthday and encouragement cards to residents, and rewards for success like movie and sporting event tickets. To volunteer your time or to contribute items, contact:

Ed Brant, Executive Director
P.O. Box 358
Clearwater, FL 33757
(727) 466-6612

One of the greatest strengths of the CHIP program is the community policing substation which is housed in the shelter and which also serves as home to the Clearwater Police Department’s Downtown Bicycle Team. In line with Clearwater’s tradition of proactive community policing, officers on bicycles are patrolling the downtown area and getting to know the residents, business owners, and also the homeless population. The Bike Team is taking a very active role in referring clients to CHIP, as well as enforcing the "Rules of Conduct" at the shelter.

For additional information on the Clearwater Homeless Intervention Project, visit the CHIP web site.

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