Sarasota community leaders join
Second Heart Homes board of directors
Sarasota County Court Judge Erika Quartermaine is a Sarasota native and serves in Florida’s 12th Judicial Circuit. She was instrumental in creating the Comprehensive Treatment Court, a mental-health court for non-violent offenders who are seriously mentally ill and unable to meet their basic needs. She also helped establish the Turn Your Life Around Court, a diversion program for people charged with prostitution-related crimes who are victims of human trafficking.
Journalist and Florida son Tom Tryon is a former opinion editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, where he examined homelessness issues for more than 15 years. Tom also served as board chairman for the former nonprofit, Sarasota County Openly Plans for Excellence (SCOPE), where he focused on connecting Sarasota citizens to create a better community through dialogue, data and public policy. Sarasota Magazine named Tom one of “The 100 New Most Powerful People in Sarasota Today,” noting he “who gets things done.”
Since retiring as president of the Cola-Cola Company’s Philippines and South Africa divisions, David Lyons has been a champion of helping others achieve maximum mental well being. David is principal partner at David Lyons Coaching, a personal coaching service that helps people optimize their career and life. He also is a supporter and volunteer at the Salvation Army, First Step and the Sarasota county correctional system, helping individuals with addiction, trauma and mental health issues.
Help us expand our program to women!
Did you know? About 75% of homeless women struggle with mental disorders such as anxiety, depression and schizophrenia but are often more reluctant than men to seek help. Second Heart Homes is working to change this!

We recently had the opportunity to place two duplex properties under contract for our first women's mental health housing program. This will bring our count from 24 to 36 individuals served. With the housing market being uncertain, this is our chance to expand our mission and serve Sarasota best.

We are looking for generous-hearted supporters interested in funding this major step forward. In addition to donations, we’ve created a mechanism for individuals to fund us by being part of a group who will lend us funds that will be paid back over time and backed by a mortgage on the property. Please contact Megan@secondhearthomes.org to learn more about how you can be part of this important growth!
Sponsor Spotlight
Thank you to the Michael Saunders Company Foundation for their grant to provide bus passes to our clients. This comes at the perfect time since county buses have resumed charging fares from the COVID-19 suspension.
A big welcome and thank you to CItySide Apartments and their residents for their sponsorship, donations and volunteers.
We couldn't do this without you!
Meet Laura Desautels

Please join us in welcoming Laura Desautels to our Second Heart Homes' team. Laura graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Illinois State University. During college, she volunteered for a crisis hotline service and responded to calls through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL). After moving to Florida, she began working with the homeless, mentally ill and underserved communities in Sarasota and Manatee counties as a case manager with the Centerstone Comprehensive Treatment Court program. Laura will be integral in assisting our vulnerable clients by providing the coaching and tools to work towards success and self-sufficiency.
Second Heart Homes featured on SNN-TV
Megan Howell, founder and CEO of Second Heart Homes, recently had the chance to share the organization's mission and what makes us so different on the Suncoast News Network TV program, "Suncoast FYI" with host Nancy O'Neil.

A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free, 1-800-435-7352 (800-HELP-FLA) within the state or visiting www.800helpfla.com. License# CH60902