KEY WEST, FL - Following a Monday program launch, a specially outfitted vehicle will spend five days a week setting up shop around Key West with an aim of helping the homeless take advantage of social services.

The Southernmost Homeless Assistance League, an umbrella organization that coordinates public, private and nonprofit activities designed to assist the homeless population of Monroe County, is managing the $157,000, 15-month pilot program.

Although she didn't have firm numbers of interactions for the first two days, SHAL Executive Director Wendy Coles said the initial response is encouraging.

"It's off to a great start," she said. The two program staff members "set up numerous appointments. The folks on the street seem to be responding very positively."

She said stops include Bayview Park, Simonton Street Beach, Indigenous Park on White Street and the soup kitchen on Flagler Avenue -- all places popular with the homeless.

Services offered through the mobile program include rudimentary medical care, help getting state-issued identification, referrals for substance-abuse and mental-health issues, job placement and access to transitional housing.

- read more at KeysNet.com