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Highlands Today

Temporary Shelter Offered To Homeless Men

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By Gary Pinnell | Highlands Today

Published: February 8, 2008

SEBRING — Nine homeless men who live in the woods across Kenilworth from Sebring High School have been offered homes in Tampa, said Terri McClelland.

McClelland and Anthony Lomonico, volunteers with the Highlands County Coalition for the Homeless, surveyed the men after reading in Highlands Today Thursday about them being removed from vacant land behind the Highlands Homes subdivision. Some men have been living in the woods for three years, they said.

"We're going to make the offer to them," McClelland said. "I don't know if they'll go, but we're going to make the offer."

Capt. Randy LaBelle of Highlands County Sheriff's Office said Thursday the men were offered an opportunity to go to the homeless mission on Lemon Street, but declined. LaBelle speculated that they prefer to live outdoors because liquor is forbidden at the shelter. One man admitted to having an alcohol problem, and the woods were littered with beer bottles and cans.

McClelland and Lomonico met the men Friday afternoon on a street behind a Mobil convenience store. They surveyed Tim Fanning and Johnny Malone, who have set up their own tents and lean-tos with tarp roofs and walls. Richard Reinhardt, executive director of the homeless coalition, said about 700 homeless people were counted in Highlands County during a survey two weeks ago.

"We're just out here to see if we can help you," Lomonico said as he introduced himself to Fanning.
"You can help us by getting us jobs," Malone answered. They both worked Friday at Labor Finders, a personnel agency temporary workers.

"We only got five hours," both men said. They receive $46 for an 8-hour day.

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