Frequently Asked Questions

Streets of Paradise Inc is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation based in Sarasota Florida with a two-fold outreach & awareness mission. We provide necessities of life to the homeless in our community through our foodshares and street outreach and, as a member of the Continuum of Care for Sarasota and Manatee counties, we are the sole agency in the region dedicated to providing no-cost furnishings and goods to those transitioning into permanent housing through our Street to Home program.

The Community Service Information System (CSIS) is an electronic database used to accumulate information on the characteristics of those at risk of homelessness or already homeless. It tracks service delivery by Continuum of Care members who input and share data. 29 organizations throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties enter information into the CSIS system, with more coming on board every month.

The Continuum of Care (CoC) is an initiative developed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to coordinate housing and services for homeless families and individuals. The lead agency for the CoC in Manatee and Sarasota counties is the Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness who are the sole recipient of Federal and State grants which they distribute to member organizations. As a member of the CoC we work in cooperation with the Suncoast Partnership.

Foodshares are our primary street outreach initiative. Every Wednesday at 6:30 pm our volunteers provide home-cooked nutritious meals to the community outside the Salvation Army at 9th st and Central ave. in Sarasota. We are also providing the same service at 11am on Sundays at Payne Park.

Yes. Anyone who can cook and transport a meal to the foodshare locations is welcome to join us in our efforts on a casual basis. For more information on becoming an official SOP volunteer read the guidelines on our volunteer page. We suggest you also join our Facebook volunteer group and/or contact Greg Cruz or Cathy Bryant

Streets of Paradise is reliant on donations of money and goods in order to operate. 100% of revenue is directed into our programs. There is a donation link in the header of this website. All contributions are tax deductible and we are supremely grateful for donations of any amount. ​

Our Street to Home program needs donations of good quality furniture, household goods, kitchen supplies, unopened canned goods, bed linens, towels, and all other items that would assist an individual who might be moving into permanent housing with literally nothing but the clothes on their backs. Please contact Greg Cruz or Cathy Bryant for more information or to schedule pickup.

Yes. Streets of Paradise has a small warehouse space located at 3080 N. Washington Blvd, Unit #29, Sarasota FL 34234. This is where we stockpile the donated goods we use when rehousing clients.

Our mailing address is:

P.O. Box 50652

935 N. Beneva rd,

Sarasota Fl 34232 

No. Streets of Paradise is a secular organization. We take no position on religious matters. We do, however, work in close cooperation with the many faith-based organizations in the CoC.

No. What individuals choose to do on their own behalf is their own decision but, as an organization, Streets of Paradise does not provide cash directly to those we serve. All donated funds go towards resources.