Second Heart Homes Receives Grant from Bishop Parker Foundation

July 21, 2023 – Sarasota

Bishop Parker Foundation Awards $400,000 to Second Heart Homes to Expand Homeless Housing Program in Manatee 

The Bishop Parker Foundation recently authorized a $400,000 grant to Second Heart Homes, which provides housing, support services and love to homeless adults with mental-health challenges. 

The grant – the largest single gift to Second Heart Homes since its founding in 2019 – will be used to purchase a third home dedicated to taking homelessness people off the streets of Manatee County. An additional home will complement the organization’s six properties in Sarasota: All told, more than 50 homeless people will be off the streets. 

“We are so grateful, from the bottom of our hearts, for this generous gift from the Bishop Parker Foundation. It will help us make a true impact on homelessness in Manatee County,” said Megan Howell, executive director and founder of Second Heart Homes. 

Human services and health are among the Bishop Parker Foundation’s focus areas. Indeed, during their years in Bradenton decades ago, Edward and Lillian Bishop, and Mary Parker, supported many institutions – and often individuals – responding to direct human needs, especially those dealing with hunger and homelessness. 

“Our Foundation has long recognized food insecurity, homelessness and lack of accessibility for mental health services as major challenges in our community.  We are excited to partner with Second Heart Homes to address these complicated issues in our community,” said Adell Erozer, 

Executive Director of the Bishop Parker Foundation. 

Second Heart Homes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves residents and communities in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Second Heart Homes utilizes a unique, individually tailored approach to providing residents community-based services that promote long-term housing, stability and independence. Residents commit to addressing their mental health, remaining sober, achieving self-improvement goals and maintaining the interiors and exteriors of their homes. 

The housing and services are provided without government funding. What’s more, Second Heart Homes owns its houses with little or no debt. 

“Thanks for generosity from private-sector donors such as the Bishop Parker Foundation, we are able to avoid large rent increases, enabling us to offer our residents stability and maximize the investments from individuals and institutions in our communities,” Howell said. For more information: BishopParkerFoundation.org and SecondHeartHomes.org