VERO BEACH — CEO Sonya Morrison announces the innovative soft shelter program for Indian River County residents. Camp Haven now has a home.
Camp Haven, Inc. has entered into an agreement with CEMEX Construction Materials, LLC to lease 7.35 wooded acres at 500 2nd St. SW, east of Old Dixie Hwy., between Fourth St. and Oslo Rd. in Vero Beach.
The one year lease begins September 1 and has a two year extension option.
Project manager Pat Geyer is working with architect John Dean to coordinate surveys, site plans, and preparation for the six to eight month Planned Development zoning process.
Project approval is required from the County Planning and Zoning Board and the County Commission.
In addition to platform tents, Camp Haven will have mobile units for shower, restroom and kitchen facilities, along with a unit for the resident manager.
The six month Camp Haven Program will be open to Indian River County residents only. Enrollment requires candidates to be drug and alcohol free, pass a criminal background check, and proof of Indian River County residency.
The program also requires a self-sufficiency plan, counseling, life-skills education, job preparedness training, and volunteer work.
A group of 35 community leaders, including business, religious, non-profit and law enforcement representatives have been working over a year developing plans for Camp Haven.
It is modeled after a similar program in Pinellas County called Pinellas Hope that has successfully helped homeless adults return to self-sufficiency.
Camp Haven grew out of Sonya’s drive to overcome an injustice; there are no shelter programs or options for Indian River County homeless adults without dependent children.
Camp Haven became a mission of The Source, a daytime outreach agency that serves homeless and “working poor” individuals and families.
The Camp Haven Program offers case management and life skills education while providing a safe, legal place to sleep for Indian River County residents who intend to rise out of homelessness.
For more information, please contact Project Manager Pat Geyer at (772) 205-1995. You may also visit our websites at www.BuildCampHaven.org or www.IAmTheSource.org.
