ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) – Metropolitan Ministries has launched its first-ever residential housing program for families at risk of homelessness.

The new David and Virginia Baldwin family residence housing is a partnership with St. Petersburg Free Clinic.

“And really it’s about us being good neighbors and good partners to our other local non-profits and trying to fill a need and a gap in the community,” said Kip Corriveau with Metropolitan Ministries.

The partnership will provide families in need with not only housing but nutritious food and health care.

Metropolitan Ministries will also continue to offer services like case management, childcare, education and more, aimed at breaking the cycle of homelessness, all while continuing to keep the needs of families at heart.

Officials with Metropolitan Ministries say there’s a desperate need in St. Pete for safe shelters for families.

“So I think there are more homeless kids in Pinellas than there are in Hillsborough and in Tampa,” said Corrivea.

While they’re able to help make a difference here, they tell us pinpointing the problem is a much more difficult issue.

“The growing need is housing. I mean, and because of housing costs and income not keeping up with housing costs, a lot of our families, particularly who work in service industries,” said Corrivea.

Officials say this shelter is aimed at helping families become self-sufficient by continuing to offer resources as needed.

Visit Metropolitan Ministries’ website for more information.