Pinellas County Seeks Host Home HelpersVolunteers are needed to set up Host Home programs with area places of worship, businesses and civic or community groups. Using the tools provided by Pinellas County Emergency Management, the Pinellas County Host Home program encourages organizations to help their members/employees find safe shelter during a hurricane. The participating organization works with their members and employees to match those who would need to evacuate with those in non-evacuation areas. The host homes become safe havens for friends, coworkers, members and fellow parishioners. Pet owners can be matched with pet lovers, smokers can be matched with other smokers, families with children can be matched with child-safe houses. In Pinellas County, nearly 550,000 residents live in evacuation areas or manufactured homes and would need to evacuate to be safe from deadly surge flooding. While public shelters and hotel rooms are options, space is limited. A host home can be a comfortable shelter alternative for those who must leave their own homes during a hurricane. If you or your organization would be interested in establishing a Host Home program, contact Pinellas County Communications at (727) 464-3712. Or find information concerning the Host Home program on the Pinellas County Web site at www.pinellascounty.org/emergency.
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