Second Heart Homes is expanding its presence in Manatee County with a new men’s residence named in honor of Sarasota County Court Judge Erika Quartermaine.
Erika’s House of Hope is the nonprofit’s 14th residence and recognizes Quartermaine’s work addressing mental illness and homelessness in the region. She has served on the Second Heart Homes board of directors since 2021 and has helped guide the organization as it expanded housing and support services for adults experiencing homelessness and mental illness.
The new residence continues Second Heart Homes’ growth in Manatee County. The Sarasota-based nonprofit purchased its first Manatee County home in 2022 with support from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation. Since then, the organization has continued developing permanent supportive housing for adults in Manatee and Sarasota counties.
Second Heart Homes now operates 14 residences and provides housing and individualized support for 86 adults. Its program combines permanent housing with services that can include case management, wellness support, employment assistance and help residents work toward individual goals.
The organization is also planning additional growth in the region. In September, the Barancik Foundation awarded Second Heart Homes a $600,000 grant to acquire and prepare another residence in Sarasota or Manatee County. The planned home is expected to provide permanent housing for six people who have experienced homelessness and live with mental illness.
Second Heart Homes does not accept direct government funding, relying on individuals, foundations, businesses and community partners to support its housing and services.
The addition of Erika’s House of Hope further expands the nonprofit’s role in Manatee County while recognizing Quartermaine’s years of work supporting people experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges.
