Medical Strategies

In order to assist special needs clients with medical problems, OHCD has multiple strategies. Most focus on partnering with non-profit special needs service providers to encourage the development of housing and provision of social and medical services. OHCD works with our community to increase the supply of developmentally, mentally and physically disabled housing throughout the county.

In addition, OHCD runs a Barrier Free Program to assist disabled homeowners or homeowners with disabled family members to remodel their homes in order to allow them increased accessibility and independence.

OHCD also works with community partners to produce substance free housing to assist our residents and their families with substance abuse problems. Currently, OHCD is awarding funding to a non-profit service provider to develop 10 new units of drug free/substance free transitional housing for substance dependent persons and families who are in recovery.

Recently, OHCD became the new recipient of Housing Opportunities for Persons With Aids grant (HOPWA). HOPWA was established to assist persons with HIV/AIDS regain or maintain housing and to increase their healthcare services. Under the new program requirements, OHCD is responsible for overall administration of HOPWA for both Manatee and Sarasota County.

Substance Abuse Information

First Step of Sarasota

HIV/AIDS Information

HUD's HOPWA Program- Housing for People Living with HIV/AIDS