A Guide to Florida Resources for Struggling Families by County:
Are you a family in Florida facing financial hardship or other challenges? You're not alone. This blog post will provide a comprehensive guide to the various organizations and resources available to support struggling families in our community.
Government Agencies and Non-Profits
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Brevard Public Schools - Student Support Services (Including Homeless Education): This department helps families experiencing homelessness access educational resources and support for their children. https://www.brevardschools.org/ (search "Student Support Services" or "Homeless Education"):
United Way of Brevard: They connect individuals and families with resources in the community through their 211 helpline and various programs. https://www.uwbrevard.org/
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida (Serves Brevard): Provides food assistance to individuals and families facing food insecurity. They work with a network of partner agencies throughout Central Florida, including Brevard. https://www.feedhopenow.org/
Sharing Center of Central Brevard: Offers a range of services including food assistance, clothing, financial assistance for utilities and rent, and case management. https://sharingcenter.org/
Daily Bread, Inc.: Provides hot meals, food pantry services, and other support to individuals and families in need. https://dailybreadinc.org/
The Salvation Army of Brevard County: Offers various services including emergency assistance, food pantries, shelters, and youth programs. https://ncbrevard.salvationarmyflorida.org/ncbrevard/social-services/
Catholic Charities of Central Florida (Serves Brevard): Offers various programs including housing assistance, food assistance, counseling, and immigration services. https://cflcc.org/
Brevard Neighborhood Development Coalition (BNDC): Focuses on community development and provides services related to housing, financial literacy, and other community needs. https://bndc.org/
Family Promise of Brevard: Helps families experiencing homelessness achieve sustainable independence through shelter, case management, and support services. https://familypromiseofbrevard.org/
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren of Brevard Co FL Inc.: This is a dedicated non-profit organization specifically for this purpose. They offer support groups, financial assistance for specific needs (like school activities or sports), workshops, and advocacy. https://www.grandparentsraisinggrandchildren.org/
Aging Matters in Brevard: This organization serves seniors in Brevard County and has a focus on grandparents as caregivers. They can help with accessing benefits like ACCESS Florida (which includes programs like SNAP and Medicaid) and Florida KidCare for the grandchildren. They may also offer other support services for senior caregivers. https://agingmattersbrevard.org/ (look for their "Grandparents as Caregivers" program)
Brevard Family Partnership: This organization focuses on child welfare and may have programs or resources that support relative caregivers, including grandparents. https://fpocf.org/
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Indian River County Human Services: https://indianriver.gov/services/general_services/human_services/index.php
Hope for Families Center: https://hopeforfamiliescenter.org/
Economic Opportunities Council of Indian River County: https://eocofirc.net/
United Against Poverty: https://unitedagainstpoverty.org/
Treasure Coast Community Health: https://www.tcchinc.org/
United Way of Indian River County: https://unitedwayirc.org/
Vero Vine: https://verovine.com/
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Orange County Government - Community Services: https://www.orangecountyfl.net/
This is a good starting point. They offer various programs related to housing, utilities, food assistance, and more. Check their website for specific departments and programs.
Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) - Homeless Education Program: https://www.ocps.net/ (search "Homeless Education" on the OCPS site)
This program helps families experiencing homelessness access educational resources and support.
Heart of Florida United Way: https://www.hfuw.org/
They connect individuals and families with resources in the community through their 211 helpline and various programs.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida: https://www.feedhopenow.org/
Provides food assistance to individuals and families facing food insecurity. They work with a network of partner agencies.
Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida: https://www.centralfloridahomeless.org/
Offers shelter, housing assistance, and other supportive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
The Salvation Army of Orlando: https://salvationarmyflorida.org/orlando/
Provides a range of services including emergency assistance, food pantries, shelters, and youth programs.
Catholic Charities of Central Florida: https://cflcc.org/
Offers various programs including housing assistance, food assistance, counseling, and immigration services.
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida: https://clsmf.org/
Provides free legal assistance to low-income individuals and families in civil matters.
Family Promise of Greater Orlando: https://familypromiseorlando.org/
Helps families experiencing homelessness achieve sustainable independence through shelter, case management, and support services.
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Volusia County Department of Human Services:https://www.volusia.org/services/community-services/community-assistance/human-services/
Salvation Army of Volusia County:https://daytonabeach.salvationarmyflorida.org/
United Way of Volusia County & Flagler County:https://www.unitedwayvfc.org/
Family Life Center:https://flcfv.org/
Volusia County Health Department:https://volusia.floridahealth.gov/
Feeding America: Find a local food bank through Feeding America's website Link to Feeding America website.
Volusia County Public Library System: Free access to computers, internet, and educational resources. Link to Volusia County Public Library System website
Additional Tips & Resources
Contact your local school district for social worker and counselor referrals.
Check with your local church or community center for assistance programs.
Utilize online resources like 211.org for information on local resources.
Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF): This state agency administers programs like TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - Food Stamps), and Medicaid.
How to Get Involved
Volunteer Your Time
Many of these organizations rely heavily on volunteers to provide vital services. Consider volunteering your time to make a difference. Visit the websites of the organizations listed in the above guide or contact them directly to inquire about volunteer opportunities. You can often find volunteer information in the "Get Involved" or "Volunteer" sections of their websites.
Donate
Your financial contributions can be a lifeline for struggling families. Visit the websites of the organizations listed in the above guide or contact them directly to inquire about their donation options. You can often donate online or by mail.
By volunteering your time or making a donation, you can help to make a positive impact on the lives of struggling families in your community.
Help Spread the Word
Please share this blog post with someone who might benefit from this information. By spreading awareness about these resources, we can help more families throughout the state of Florida to get the support they need.
Do you have additional resources to share? If you have any new or updated information about resources available in Florida, please let us know in the comments below! Together, we can build a stronger community!
Partnerships & Networking Opportunities
If you are an organization that would like to discuss a partnership and how we can collaborate to reach and help more families, please reach out to Pro Docs Plus at info@prodocsplusfl.com
Together, we can help more families find the resources, services and options they need to thrive!
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