Pinellas Hope loses 70 tents used to house homeless

CLEARWATER (FOX 13) - Tropical Storm Colin proved to be devastating for a homeless shelter that partially relies on tents to keep residents safe and dry. 

Pinellas Hope in Clearwater says the rain and wind destroyed a third of the tents it uses to house the homeless. That's about 70 tents.

Pinellas Hope workers are now scrambling to replace them, as well as possessions that may have been lost.

"This is just another reminder of how tents are obviously not a good solution for people, for shelter, which is why we've constructed the Hope Cottages, where it's more secure and permanent, more comfortable housing for folks. We're just hopeful this will be the last storm we have to weather in tents," Director of Homeless and Veteran Services Pam Long said. 

For now, Pinellas Hope is asking for donations. They need 6-person tents, plus blankets, sheets and toiletries. They're also raising funds to build small cottages.

If you'd like to donate, visit http://pinellashope.org/ or https://pinellashope.org/hope-cottages/.