- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Clearwater's Homeless Empowerment Program Wins $100,000 for Expanded Services
The Florida Blue Foundation recognition highlights HEP's strong results in reducing ER visits and stabilizing housing.
Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:07am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The Homeless Empowerment Program's innovative approach to providing integrated health, housing, and job services aims to create lasting stability for individuals in need.Clearwater TodayClearwater's Homeless Empowerment Program (HEP) has been awarded a first-place Sapphire Award and $100,000 from the Florida Blue Foundation to expand its integrated health care, housing, and workforce services for more than 3,000 people a year. The recognition highlights HEP's success in reducing emergency room visits and stabilizing housing for the homeless population in Clearwater.
Why it matters
This funding will allow HEP to further its mission of providing comprehensive support services to address the complex needs of the homeless community in Clearwater. By expanding access to healthcare, housing, and job training, HEP aims to break the cycle of homelessness and help individuals achieve long-term stability.
The details
The Sapphire Award from the Florida Blue Foundation recognizes organizations across the state that are innovating to improve community health and crisis response. HEP's integrated model, which combines medical care, housing assistance, and workforce development, has demonstrated strong outcomes in reducing emergency room visits and stabilizing housing for the people it serves.
- The Florida Blue Foundation awarded the Sapphire Award and $100,000 to HEP in April 2026.
The players
Homeless Empowerment Program (HEP)
A Clearwater-based organization that provides integrated health care, housing, and workforce services to the homeless community.
Florida Blue Foundation
A charitable foundation that invests in community health innovation across Florida, including through its annual Sapphire Awards.
What’s next
HEP plans to use the $100,000 Sapphire Award to expand its integrated services and reach more individuals experiencing homelessness in Clearwater.
The takeaway
The Sapphire Award recognition and funding for HEP's innovative approach to addressing homelessness demonstrates the impact that community-based organizations can have when they take a holistic view to supporting those in need. This investment will allow HEP to deepen its work and serve as a model for other cities looking to replicate its success.
