What is St. Petersburg Free Clinic Men’s Residence?

Established in 1997, the Men’s Residence provides safe, supportive, transitional shelter to single, homeless men serving up to 25 men at any one time. Residents work with staff to set goals, save money and work toward independent living.

Men are motivated and guided through the process of transitioning from homelessness to long term housing independence and financial stability. The structure provided by the staff and a community of men with similar desires stimulates hard work, accountability and success.

In the last year, the Men’s Residence assisted 110 homeless men as they worked towards stability.

Michael’s Story

Michael with House Manager

Michael immigrated to the United States three years ago from Sierra Leone because he feared for his life if he stayed. For the first two and a half years, he lived with a Liberian family. Things were stable until the day his temporary family decided to move. He became homeless, stressed, hopeless, and afraid. He was unsure what his next step should be, until he discovered the Men’s Residence.

He describes his experience in the Men’s Residence with the emotional aspects overpowering all else. “I was welcomed with open arms, and love bigger than what I ever dreamed of.” Michael was helped to acquire his working authorization from immigration, state identification card, GED, and a job. These four essentials were more than Michael had ever expected from a nonprofit community. He explained, “I was looking for a home, they gave me more than that; I was looking for a shoulder to lean and cry on, they wiped away my sorrow. I was looking for brothers and family, and they gave me more than what I hoped for.”

 Click here if you are seeking services from the Free Clinic Men’s Residence.