Peer respite

Recovery begins with safety and support

More than just a bed: a calm, judgment-free space to stabilize, feel seen, and begin the journey to long-term recovery with dignity and care.

Availability changes daily — a five-minute phone screening is all it takes, no paperwork required. Walk-ins are assessed 8AM–8PM based on capacity.

Recovery Epicenter Foundation peers and community members together

What to expect

Short stays, real support

24/7 peer support

Staffed around the clock by peer specialists — people in recovery themselves.

Clean beds & meals

Bedding, toiletries, laundry on-site, and meals provided.

Short-term stays

3–5 nights, with possible extensions reviewed daily by a case manager.

Medical referrals

Help connecting to treatment, sober living, and continuum-of-care services.

Since March 2023

The Catcher's Mitt

Designed to provide short term stabilization for participants who do not meet the threshold for emergency medical care and do not have the means to check themselves into a private facility. We're incredibly grateful to BayCare for funding this project since 2023.

1,500+

Florida citizens supported since opening

92%

successful stabilization rate

18

beds at the Catchers Mitt duplex

How it works

Three steps to a safe bed

1 · Call to confirm

Dial 727-223-3453 to check availability with our intake team — the count changes daily, so the phone is the source of truth.

2 · Quick screening

A 5-minute phone screening ensures we can meet your needs. No paperwork required.

3 · Prepare for arrival

Bring your photo ID and medications in their original bottles for a smooth check-in.

Where this fits

A life preserver, not a replacement

Medical and clinical services, such as traditional detoxes and treatment, are often essential for people with substance use disorders who have never attempted recovery. It is important to share that the intent of Peer Respite is not to replace the acute care infrastructure throughout the Tampa Bay Region.

Instead, our hope — and the data we collect — illustrates that Peer Respite services provide some alleviation to the overburdened local emergency medical and first responder services, and act as a needed life preserver to our participants who now have an accessible pathway to recovery previously unavailable to them.

Pasco County · February 2025 – January 2026

The Outfield

A special thank you to the county of Pasco Year Two Opioid Abatement funding, which allowed us to provide Peer Respite services to 360 people through the Outfield Peer Respite Center. The Outfield opened in February 2025 and closed in January 2026.

BayCare

Find free and reduced-cost services near you

BayCare has funded the Catchers Mitt since 2023, and asked us to carry their FindHelp Florida directory here — so the search below reaches far beyond what we run ourselves. It is free to use and nothing is asked of you but a zip code.

Questions

Before you arrive

How long can I stay?

Our respite program offers 3-5 night stays, with possible extensions based on individual recovery progress and bed availability. A case manager will review your needs daily.

What if beds are full?

We maintain a priority waitlist and partner with 5 local shelters. Call us at (727) 223-3453 for real-time referrals — we'll help you find safe options.

What should I bring?

Photo ID • Medications in original bottles • Comfortable clothing (laundry on-site) • Insurance card if available. We provide toiletries, bedding, and meals.

Do you accept walk-ins?

Yes, but calling ahead ensures we can reserve a bed. Walk-ins are assessed between 8AM-8PM daily based on capacity.

Can I bring my pet/service animal?

Service animals with documentation are welcome. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate pets at this time, but we partner with a local foster network.

Need help right now?

Confidential support is available day or night — 727-223-3453.