BRADENTON, Fla. – A former law enforcement building in Bradenton has been repurposed into a sanctuary for women battling addiction and homelessness, as Manatee County officials announced the opening of the “Gateway South” shelter this week.
The facility, located at 407 57th Ave. E., is now accepting its first clients. It marks a significant step in the county’s “Under One Roof” initiative, designed to centralize services for vulnerable residents.
Gateway South is specifically tailored to women impacted by trauma, substance abuse, and housing insecurity. By converting a former Sheriff’s Office building, the county aims to replace a site once associated with enforcement with one dedicated to recovery and stability.
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“This project reflects our shared commitment to meeting people where they are and providing real pathways to stability and hope,” said Manatee County District 2 Commissioner Amanda Ballard. “By opening Gateway South to its first clients, we are delivering on a promise to invest in solutions that change lives and strengthen our entire community.”
The shelter is not operating in isolation. It is staffed and programmed by Helping Up Mission (HUM) and relies on a network of local partners to provide a continuum of care. Organizations including Turning Points, Centerstone, the Salvation Army, and Fresh Start Manatee are coordinating to ensure clients have access to healthcare, case management, and long-term support.
Funding for the renovation and operations came from a mix of sources, including opioid settlement funds, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s HOME-ARP Program, and county contributions.
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Inside, the facility features secure accommodations, therapeutic spaces, and modern infrastructure designed with a “trauma-informed” approach. The goal is to create an environment that feels respectful rather than institutional.
“This is more than the opening of a facility—it’s the beginning of a new chapter for the women we serve,” said Sarah Carter, Program Manager of the Gateway South Women’s Shelter. “Gateway South was intentionally designed to be trauma-informed, respectful, and supportive, so every woman who walks through our doors feels safe, valued, and empowered to begin her recovery journey.”
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