The Homeless Empowerment Program (HEP), a Clearwater-based nonprofit, has been named the Florida Blue Foundation Sapphire Award first-place winner in the organizational category for its comprehensive approach to wellness. As part of this statewide honor, HEP received a $100,000 donation to support and expand its critical on-site services for the homeless individuals and families served each year. HEP was selected from nearly 140 applicants from across the state.
The Florida Blue Foundation Sapphire Awards recognize organizations that are improving health outcomes, demonstrating excellence, and creating a measurable impact in their communities. Through its commitment to providing wraparound support services for nearly 900 individuals housed annually, HEP delivers on-site medical, dental, vision, and wellness services, removing barriers to treatment and improving long-term outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness. This award highlights those efforts and will play a pivotal role in enhancing and expanding comprehensive services to those in need.
“At HEP, we address a critical need by providing access to all aspects of health and well-being to clients directly on our campus,” said Ashley Lowery, HEP President & CEO. “This recognition from the Florida Blue Foundation affirms that our work is not only seen but truly valued across the state. It is our organizational Vision to be recognized as a national model of excellence for the work we do in addressing homelessness – and this award and recognition bring us one huge step forward in realizing that goal.”
HEP provides medical care to individuals in its program through an on-site Dental & Wellness Clinic. In 2025 alone, HEP’s volunteer dentists and hygienists performed more than 8,000 procedures, valued at over $1.3 million. By ensuring its clients have access to preventative and routine healthcare services, HEP helps reduce unnecessary emergency room visits, calls to 9-1-1, and eases the burden on local hospital systems.
About Homeless Empowerment Program (HEP):
Founded in 1986, HEP is the most comprehensive social service agency in the Tampa Bay area. HEP offers an integrated solution to the issue of homelessness by providing low-income families and individuals, including Veterans, with housing, food, clothing and support services necessary to obtain self-sufficiency and an improved quality of life. As part of its mission, HEP operates a 353- bed facility, offering emergency, transitional, permanent, and permanent supportive housing to temporarily homeless and mentally disabled individuals, families with children, and Veterans. Through housing and critical support services, HEP empowers its residents and helps to break the cycle of homelessness. For more information, please visit www.HEPempowers.org.