Sanctuary Housing

Realizing that immediate housing was the biggest unaddressed problem facing the unique population they were working with, Sunny and Peter and their supporters decided they would buy a property to provide transitional housing to returning citizens affected by injustice and began developing a reentry program.

 

 

In 2018 with the help of three incredibly kind donors, The Sunny Center Foundation USA bought The Sunny Living Center for sanctuary housing in Tampa, Florida. 

Immediate access to safe housing is significant to a successful adjustment when returning to the community after wrongful incarceration.  For example, two previous Living Center residents came directly from death row. Because of The Sunny Living Center, their lawyers were able direct them to our program otherwise they would have had no choice but to house them in hotels where they would have been isolated, experiencing continued disconnection from society.

 

Help to return to the community

The Sunny Living Center offers returning citizens affected by injustice the opportunity to live safely, securely, and affordably.  We rely on our established relationships with vetted organizations and connect them with the necessary support system(s).  We allow them to set their own goals and give them the chance to decompress to find their place in the world again without being overburdened by responsibilities or expectations. They will be surrounded by others who understand their experiences and who can mentor them.

 

*The Sunny Living Center does not require national exoneration registry status for placement. The focus for sanctuary housing is mainly on newly released returning citizens affected by injustice although there we will always assess all inquiries.*   

Trusted support for residents

Individuals are assessed in collaboration with their referring individual or organizations, they are then provided with direct connections to services to help them deal with common issues, like PTSD, that need to be addressed after a long time incarcerated. We refer to and utilize a team of experienced and trusted professionals who specialize in dealing with PTSD, false imprisonment, counseling and social work.

The Sunny Living Center’s full-time Program Director and Liaison, Dorothy, oversees the community, residents, and assists with all needs assessments.  She works alongside residents helping them learn to manage the day-to-day details of their lives.  

What We Provide:

• Immediate access to sanctuary housing in a safe, calm, and private environment

• Guidance and assistance in obtaining essential identification and documents (such as birth certificates or Social Security cards)

• Direct referrals and introductions to trauma-informed counseling, healthcare providers, and benefits programs (including SSI and Medicaid, when eligible)

• Collaboration and communication with referring organizations to ensure continuity of care and support

• Partnership coordination with family members, attorneys, and case managers to strengthen reentry success

• Support with reentry planning and resource coordination to help individuals rebuild their lives

Our Impact

• Immediate housing for exonerees, including those released directly from death row

• Safe environment to stabilize and begin trauma recovery

• Coordinated support with partner organizations for healthcare, ID recovery, and benefits access 

Why it matters

Exonerees are often released with no compensation, no housing, and no access to reentry services.  Sometimes, they didn’t even know they were going to be released.

The Sunny Living Center bridges that gap providing safe housing, trauma-informed support, and a community that understands what they’ve endured

Although The Sunny Living Center relies upon attorneys and family and friends of exonerees to connect with the center, they try to stay aware of people being released and to make sure that attorneys know about the work they do so that their clients can benefit from its services.

Sunny Living Center Details

• Location: Tampa, Florida  *we accept individuals from any location, not just FL

• Opened: 2018

• Capacity: Four individual housing units on a half-acre property in a residential neighborhood

• Design: Each unit has a fenced yard and shared outdoor space, promoting privacy and community

• Accessibility: Within walking distance (under 1 miles) to grocery store, restaurants, medical clinic, dental office,  ATM machine, and public transportation

Each furnished unit includes:

• 1 single bed with clean linens and pillow

• Small couch and dining table with 2 chairs

• Closet and storage space

• TV stand, side table, and A/C

• Full kitchen (refrigerator, stove, microwave)

• Basic kitchenware (plates, utensils, cookware)

• Bathroom with shower, towels, and soap

Residents may bring any additional items they wish to make their space feel like home.