CLEARWATER – Homeless Emergency Project, the “only social service agency in Tampa Bay offering a full continuum of care for the entire homeless population,” has received a $200,000 grant from Allegany Franciscan Ministries. This is the second time in the last four years that Allegany has awarded HEP a grant in this amount.
“We are honored to have received this support from Allegany Franciscan Ministries and appreciate their continuing confidence in our mission,” said Dr. Patrick Lepeak, HEP board member and dental clinic volunteer.
Libby Stone, HEP vice president, echoed those sentiments and emphasized the importance of the grant.
“During these challenging financial times, nonprofit dental safety net providers – like HEP Dental Clinic – are bowing under the weight of patient need and lack of funding,” Stone said. “Allegany Franciscan Ministries’ largesse comes at just the right moment for us to increase patient access and make the delivery of dental services more financially sustainable.”
The two-year grant will allow the HEP Dental Clinic to expand eligibility to underserved patients, hire additional staff and create more efficient operations.
Collaborating with several community partners, HEP Dental Clinic volunteer dentists and hygienists performed more than 3,400 procedures, including oral exams, cleanings, extractions, fillings, crowns, root canals and others, valued at about $480,000 in 2012.
“Allegany Franciscan Ministries is excited to partner with Homeless Emergency Project to provide oral health services to the homeless population in Pinellas County,” said Cheri Wright-Jones, Allegany Franciscan Ministries regional vice president of Tampa Bay. “Continuing the legacy of our founders, the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, we support efforts that increase access to health services and improve the overall health of the underserved and disadvantaged of our society. This project will have a profound impact on our community and we are blessed to collaborate in such worthwhile efforts.”
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