Help from churches in Hillsborough County Florida.
Churches across Hillsborough County Florida can often help families or individuals that live within the geographical boundaries of the parish. The faith based groups provide both emergency assistance as well as volunteers can offer counseling, advice or spiritual guidance.
While there may be some money for paying bills, most of the assistance from organizations such as the Westside Community Seventh Day Adventist Church is available in the form of material help. This means that the applicant will be given “goods-in-kind”, such as food, free furniture, funeral assistance, vouchers, or clothes. While always possible, much less likely is the ability of one of these churches to give direct financial support for paying rent, light bills, or the like. The fact is that funds are limited and there is only so much that can be done.
Church programs in Hillsborough County
While there are dozens that may be able to assist the working poor, the resources are limited. Some of the churches also focus on immigrants (including Spanish speakers) or the elderly in Hillsborough County Florida, as there are many of these groups of individuals. They also only help people within the immediate geographic region, and the hours and funding levels are limited. Many of them are also part of the St. Vincent network as well.
When there is financial aid available, such as from St. Patrick Catholic Church (4518 S Manhattan Ave, Tampa, Florida 33611, (813) 839-5337), the parish will only help pay critical, emergency expenses. The grants will be used in a pro-active manner to help community members that are otherwise stable. Uses of the funds may be as follows.
-Rent to stop homelessness.
-Money to keep lights and air conditioning on.
-Medical care that is critical, including vouchers for prescriptions.
-Local travel in Hillsborough County, including gasoline or cars from the free automobile program.
Hillsborough County churches also offer the material goods. There are food pantries, thrift stores, clothing closets, and other ways to get this form of support. This is where a church, such as Prince of Peace Catholic at 702 Valley Forge Blvd, Sun City Center, FL 33573 (dial (813) 634-2328) will collect donated items from anyone in the community, not just those within the parish. Based on these collection drives, there may be the following goods offered.
-Cars for work reasons, but a loan or down payment may be required.
-Canned food.
-Clothes for work, school, and other needs. There may also be maternity items for new moms or newborn babies.
-Baby formula as well as diapers may also be provided by churches.
-Material support for burying or funeral help for the indigent.
A local church will also work to assist the homeless, refugees, and women fleeing domestic violence among others. When life or freedom is at risk, a religious group will take people in to support them and keep individuals safe. This is a serve available to all races and nationalities.
Sites such as Forest Hills United Methodist Church (904 W Linebaugh Ave, Tampa, Florida 33612 )(813) 932-8081)) offer shelter, hot meals, and direct people to the local Hillsborough court system for legal aid. The primary goal is to keep the individual safe, and then direct them to other serves they need.
Often at the same time that a family facing poverty turns to a church, they also need guidance or advice. The members of the parish will of course offer spiritual guidance to those that want it, but the staff are also there just to listen if need be. This type of support is given to all from Hillsborough County Florida. It is not just for the poor or someone that needs rent help or food, but any individual can seek guidance.
While some churches may focus on Catholics, such as Sacred Heart 509 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33602, call (813) 229-1595, the fact is anyone can drop in. No matte religion. They help immigrants as well, Latinos, people from foreign counties, and really anyone.
Very few (if any) churches discriminate based on age, race, or religion. If the religious organization can help by provide a charity car, clothes, food, or money they will. While they will not discriminate, there may be income requirements in order to get help. For more information on churches that may be close to where a Hillsborough County Florida lives, send a request to www.crisiscenter.com/get-help/. A staff member will get back to the applicant on available resources.
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