by Susan Slater
More than a handout. Homelessness is often viewed through a narrow lens. Many only see the person on a street corner. What they do not see are the stories of trauma, medical crises, financial hardship, and mental health challenges. In Zephyrhills, a coalition of compassionate leaders started as a grassroots effort to deal with the homeless.
Bonnie Pacheco, Director and Case Manager, continues the mission established by those who came before her while bringing her own heart and vision to the role. Pacheco works daily to connect individuals with the resources needed to rebuild their lives. “Some people think the police station is a scary place,” Pacheco said. “I want people to think it is a safe place.”
The road to creating CHIPZ began years ago when Zephyrhills Police Chief Derek Brewer noticed a growing problem. What started as a familiar face experiencing homelessness slowly became many faces. Old school policing arresting people was not going to solve anything. The realization sparked that grassroots movement. Beth Aker, Director of Meals on Wheels, joined Brewer and other community leaders to discuss solutions. A resource group called The Hub was formed, bringing together community partners committed to making a difference.
Seeking guidance, they reached out to successful programs and eventually learned from homelessness advocate Tom Rebman, who had lived among homeless people to better understand their struggles. One message stood out: build relationships first. Inspired by programs such as Treasure Island’s LIFT initiative, the group developed a model centered on outreach. Officer Seth Healy became the first outreach officer. Today, Officers Heather Triplett and Victoria Stevens joined those efforts, meeting people where they are.
CHIPZ supports homeless encampments by providing hygiene kits, cooling bags, bottled water, bug spray, and other necessities. More importantly, Pacheco and her team assess individuals’ needs and connect them with services that can create lasting stability. Other services aid with utility bills, financial counseling, job placement, shelter referrals, food resources, mental health support, or substance abuse treatment.
“There is no umbrella,” Chief Brewer explained. “Because homelessness is never one story.” A medical emergency can destroy a family’s finances. A job loss can trigger a housing crisis. A teenager may have nowhere safe to go. CHIPZ’s growing partnerships with schools, advocates, and organizations help address those realities before they become permanent tragedies.
Success is difficult to measure. It is not always visible. It may be the person who finally accepts help after one hundred conversations. It may be a young person finding stability. It may be a family keeping their electricity on or avoiding eviction. When Chief Brewer and Aker started the Hub, the goal was never simply reducing homelessness. It was about restoring hope through humanitarian efforts.
The program may have started as a grassroots initiative, but the need continues to drive its growth. The mission remains unchanged: treat every person with respect, offer compassionate support without judgment, and be ready when someone decides they are ready for help. Changing a life begins with something as simple as showing up, listening, and refusing to give up on another human being.
For more information contact: Bonnie Pacheco at 813-642-4479 (813-64-CHIPZ)
