Five years ago, The Salvation Army implemented a programming framework called Quality of Life by Choice (QLIFE) to reduce homelessness and move people toward stable housing. The program moves homeless individuals through a continuum of care that includes short-term housing, case management, and long-term goal-setting.But when clients are finally placed into longer-term housing, furniture is not included and the individuals do not have significant funds for furnishings. A supporter of both The Salvation Army Sarasota and Goodwill Manasota connected the two organizations, in hopes that items Goodwill hadn't sold in retail stores could be donated to The Salvation Army clients rather than diverted to salvage operations. Since the connection was made in the latter half of 2018, more than 10 individuals or families have benefited from the partnership, receiving items including couches, tables, dressers, chairs and more.  Photo: Salvation Army client Michael Lynes in front of his home, which is furnished in part with items from Goodwill.

Goodwill Manasota