The Kearney Center
Key Metrics:
Operational Efficiency: Eliminated monthly maintenance fees of $400 and service call charges up to $500 per visit, saving thousands annually while providing reliable, 24/7 monitoring and peace of mind.
92% Reduction in Theft Incidents: Decreased from daily reports to infrequent cases, roughly once every two weeks, thanks to the added accountability provided by high-quality video footage.
Liability Protection: Averted a costly false injury claim within two weeks of installation, demonstrating immediate savings and potentially covering the system's entire cost.
Background
The Kearney Center, a 24-hour comprehensive emergency center in Florida’s Big Bend region, serves as a critical lifeline for individuals facing homelessness and economic hardship. Opened in April 2015 with an $8 million investment, the state-of-the-art facility is designed as a one-stop hub, offering both emergency shelter and access to a vast array of support services. Partnering with over 30 local agencies, the Kearney Center meets immediate needs—such as hot meals, showers, and clean clothing—while also connecting clients to essential resources like healthcare, legal aid, and recovery programs. Embracing an open-door policy, the center provides compassionate, inclusive care, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable, long-term support for individuals in need.
Solving Challenges with Modern Solutions
Executive Director Sonya Wilson has worked tirelessly to address the unique challenges of supporting a growing and vulnerable population. “Our facility was designed to be a one-stop-shop for those experiencing homelessness,” Sonya shared. “We provide comprehensive case management, medical and mental health services, and specialized programs for individuals recovering from substance use or trauma, including abuse and trafficking.”
Today, the Kearney Center serves up to 400 people each night, including many elderly clients with complex medical needs. This has underscored the need for enhanced oversight and security measures to support their safety.
“Our previous camera system was outdated and unreliable,” Sonya said. “We had limited coverage and only three days of footage retention, making it difficult to monitor incidents or handle claims effectively. The growing number of older clients vulnerable to falls and medical emergencies highlighted our need for a reliable, high-quality solution.”
Building a Safe and Responsive Community Hub
Utilizing Verkada’s all-in-one security platform–with hybrid cloud cameras, access control, and intercom systems–has transformed operations at the Kearney Center. “We now have reliable, clear footage of the entire facility,” Sonya shared. “It brings peace of mind, knowing we can monitor and swiftly respond to incidents.” The high-quality video deters theft and enables staff to act quickly in emergencies, especially when caring for elderly and medically vulnerable clients.
Verkada’s technology has also provided essential protection against liability claims. “Within two weeks of installation, we faced a false injury claim that, with our old system, would have gone undefended,” Sonya explained. “With Verkada’s People Analytics and detailed footage, we could prove the claim was fabricated. This alone could save us enough to cover the entire system’s cost.”
The efficiency gains extend to efficient access control. “Our accounting and administrative offices require restricted access,” Sonya noted. “Before Verkada, we frequently dealt with costly lock replacements. Now, we can manage access seamlessly, saving time and resources.”
Enhancing Entrance Security and Nighttime Operations
Verkada’s intercom system has become essential for entrance security and operations, especially with limited staffing at nighttime. “Being located near the detention center, we often receive newly released individuals seeking shelter after midnight,” Sonya shared. The initial intercom system that Kearney Center relied on was often prone to failure and unreliable in these critical hours. Now, Verkada Intercom allows staff to reliably communicate with and visually confirm who visitors are, before remotely unlocking the door with integrated access control. “We can verify who’s at the door and conveniently grant access from anywhere,” Sonya explained. “This integration makes our operations more secure and efficient.” By managing entry from any location, staff can maintain consistent safety protocols – even during the most vulnerable hours.
There are various Intercom receiver options tailored to the staff's needs. The iPad-based Desk Station empowers stationed staff to monitor live feeds and respond to calls with one tap, while the Verkada Pass and Command apps enable on-the-go call response and door unlocking via smartphones. The Verkada Command browser interface also provides web-based call management, displaying multiple incoming calls, wait times, and responder status for organized and productive handling.
The Kearney Center has paired intercoms with additional context cameras on either side of their entryways, maximizing coverage and empowering them to fully assess who is at their entryway before admitting anyone. The high quality of these cameras has not gone unnoticed and has even influenced client behavior. “Incidents and disturbances, particularly involving clients who may be under the influence, have dropped considerably,” Sonya noted. “People are more mindful of their behavior, knowing they’re in a monitored environment, which promotes accountability and fosters a safer environment– especially at night.”
Future Plans for Environmental Health and Safety
Looking ahead to the next year, the Kearney Center plans to strengthen its environmental health and safety measures with Verkada’s alarms and air quality sensors. These upgrades will include panic buttons for discreet emergency alerting and horn speakers for broadcasting instructions or de-escalating tense situations. “We need systems that can notify and assist staff in emergencies, such as natural disasters,” Sonya said. The air quality sensors will also support the center’s no-smoking policy and detect unauthorized activities. “By integrating alarms and sensors with our cameras, we’ll be able to respond swiftly, creating a safer environment for everyone,” she added. The sensors can monitor noise levels and ambient conditions, helping maintain a calm and comfortable living space.
A Lasting Impact
Sonya highlights the profound difference Verkada has made. “We’re dealing with human lives, not just property,” she shared. “Whether it’s monitoring elderly clients at risk of seizures or providing swift assistance to someone in distress, Verkada empowers us to provide a higher standard of care. Our clients feel safer, and our staff operates the facility with greater confidence.”
The Kearney Center’s advancements have gained national attention. “We recently hosted officials from a neighboring city who are building their own facility,” Sonya said. “They were impressed by our security system’s capabilities and the peace of mind it brings. Verkada has truly been a blessing. In both the nonprofit and for-profit world, this technology pays for itself many times over.”
Learn about the Kearney Center and its mission: https://kearneycenter.org/