Metropolitan Ministries and the YMCA of St. Petersburg have formed a new partnership to expand services for families experiencing homelessness in Pinellas County.
Under the agreement, Metropolitan Ministries will offer shelter, transitional housing, workforce development and other support services at the David and Virginia Baldwin and the Lealman Transitional Residence, facilities formerly managed by the St. Pete Free Clinic. The organizations plan to launch a family shelter program in June.
The YMCA of St. Petersburg will provide childcare and early learning programs for children residing in the shelter. Metropolitan Ministries is also providing training in trauma-informed care to help staff address the needs of children with traumatic backgrounds.
Tim Marks, president and chief executive officer of Metropolitan Ministries, said the collaboration builds on previous efforts with the St. Pete Free Clinic. “By working with the YMCA, we’re expanding the range of services available to help families regain stability,” Marks said.
David Jezek, CEO of the YMCA of St. Petersburg, said the partnership will allow the agency to extend its early learning programs to more children in need. “This arrangement ensures that children receive consistent educational support, while their parents work toward self-sufficiency,” Jezek said.
The partnership seeks to address both immediate shelter needs and longer-term stability for families facing homelessness.