Stories From The Street

We recognize and respect the intrinsic value of every individual in our community, regardless of life circumstances.

The Couture Bash

The Couture Bash

Don’t forget to RSVP to The Couture Bash! It’s sure to be a wicked good time… The stress of Hurricane […]

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Sarasota’s Homeless During a Hurricane

Sarasota’s Homeless During a Hurricane

As Hurricane Ian approaches, most of us are busy worrying about having enough canned tuna or a generator to make […]

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SOP Partners with GiveBackRx

SOP Partners with GiveBackRx

Streets of Paradise (SOP) is excited to partner with GiveBackRx, a new pharmacy discount card that gives consumers savings of […]

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Shower Day Shutdown: City of Sarasota Sidelines Streets of Paradise

Shower Day Shutdown: City of Sarasota Sidelines Streets of Paradise

The official word came down during a nearly hour-long zoom meeting on August 25th. Streets of Paradise would no longer […]

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Come What May

Come What May

March and April were busy beyond belief for Streets of Paradise (SoP) volunteers.  So much was accomplished in such a […]

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Moving Forward:  On the Road to Shower Day Celebrations

Moving Forward: On the Road to Shower Day Celebrations

What does a hot shower mean to YOU? Sure, combined with essential personal hygiene items, it can provide one with […]

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Homelessness in Sarasota: the story of Steve Novia

Homelessness in Sarasota: the story of Steve Novia

Steve Novia’s first housewarming gift was a heart made out of Hot Tamales. “Baby, You’re my Hot Tamale when we are […]

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Streets of Paradise completes 150 move-ins

Streets of Paradise completes 150 move-ins

My interview with founder of Sarasota’s grassroots anti-homelessness coalition Streets of Paradise (SOP) Greg Cruz kept getting interrupted.  “Buenas noches,” […]

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If You’re Abel

If You’re Abel

Introduction: Streets of Paradise is an organization that is best known for loving well. Our unique two-pronged approach to aiding […]

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He (She) Ain’t Heavy…

He (She) Ain’t Heavy…

“Thank you, Santa. I wake up so cold.” “I just want to be warm, Santa.” “I’ve been really good, Santa. […]

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Peaches and the Wawa Sandwiches

Peaches and the Wawa Sandwiches

It was a hot, humid afternoon in January of 2019.  Harmony Chapman held tightly to both leashes, each wrist encircled by […]

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Pando and the Ripple Effect

Pando and the Ripple Effect

The heaviest known single living organism on Planet Earth is known as Pando.  Spread out over 106 acres in the […]

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Stephanie – Homeward Bound

Stephanie – Homeward Bound

On a sunny Saturday morning, we head over to check out the phenomenal work being done at Remnant Cafe, serving […]

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Streets Of Paradise With Showered And Empowered

Streets Of Paradise With Showered And Empowered

Streets of Paradise teamed up with Showered and Empowered on April, 27 for the third time this year and offered […]

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Kimberly – Transgender & Living on the Streets

Kimberly – Transgender & Living on the Streets

Kimberly is a 39-year old transgender woman, and she is currently living on the streets. We meet on a brisk […]

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Brandy & Raven – Affordable Housing Imperative

Brandy & Raven – Affordable Housing Imperative

I met Brandy, an engaging 39-year-old woman and her 20-year-old daughter Raven on a chilly Thursday evening outside the Salvation […]

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Katy – Community on the Streets

Katy – Community on the Streets

I met Katy at beautiful Five Points Park, a downtown anchor of the arts and entertainment of Sarasota, surrounded by […]

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Nikki – Pregnant & Living the Hard Life

Nikki – Pregnant & Living the Hard Life

We met Nikki outside a Sarasota gas station on a chilly Thursday evening. Nikki is a 34-year-old woman, and she […]

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Stephanie – Intimate Partner Violence and Homelessness

Stephanie – Intimate Partner Violence and Homelessness

I notice Stephanie on a Thursday evening after she takes a spoonful of delicious looking home-made butternut squash soup and […]

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Cathy – More Than A Single Story

Cathy – More Than A Single Story

On a brisk Sunday morning in January I set out to meet the many homeless men and women living on […]

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