🎯 Mission

Soji Corps of Tampa Bay creates paid cleanup opportunities for people experiencing housing insecurity while also removing litter from our neighborhoods and waterways.

⚠️ Problem

• Many people experiencing housing insecurity want immediate, accessible work to earn income, rebuild dignity, improve stability, and transition into a secure and independent future.
• There is a continuous need for litter cleanup in Tampa Bay to safeguard our environment, wildlife, neighborhoods and waterways.

💡 Inspiration

Soji Corps is inspired by Albuquerque’s “There’s a Better Way” program, which offered paid day-work opportunities to people experiencing homelessness while cleaning and beautifying public spaces. Similar models have also appeared in Anaheim, Omaha, Chicago, and other cities.

📅 Pilot Plan

• 12-week pilot; 1–2 cleanup days per week
• 3–5 paid workers per shift; 3–4 hour shifts, lunch included
• 1 trained crew lead on every shift
• Focus on low-risk, approved cleanup sites: neighborhoods, ditches, drainage-adjacent areas, parks, shorelines, and public spaces
• Transportation via van rental, partner vehicle, or approved transportation support
• Partner support for worker referrals, service navigation, disposal coordination, and sponsor engagement
• Pilot avoids high-risk dangerous traffic zones, biohazard-heavy sites, and private property without permission

🛡️ Safety Plan

• PPE: gloves, safety vests, grabbers, sunscreen, water
• Heat and weather safety procedures
• First-aid kit on site, emergency contact procedures
• Sharps no-touch protocol and biohazard avoidance policy
• Traffic safety rules, site check-in/check-out, incident reporting
• Written participant expectations and supervised shifts