Florida emergency assistance.

Emergency assistance is available across Florida from the Salvation Army. They administer a number of social services, including emergency housing and utilities, and can provide help to families and individuals who are facing financial difficulties due to an unexpected financial crisis.

The exact number, type, and availability of resources will vary by branch and location, as well as the current funding that is available. The Salvation Army in Florida can provide both direct cash assistance to pay bills, rent, housing and other expenses, and also more so called supportive and developmental social services. All emergency individual and family assistance is provided with dignity and respect.  Learn more about each program below.

Emergency financial assistance

Emergency assistance is offered for housing, utilities, and electric bills, among other needs. The program serves lower income clients and families who are facing financial difficulties and who need help due to an unexpected financial emergency.  The crisis that usually qualifies people for assistance generally involves the loss of a job, reduction in work hours or income, unexpected medical expenses, car repairs, unexpected expenses due to natural disasters, a family dissolution (divorce) or a death in the family. The various emergency programs offered by the Salvation Army in Florida may provide financial assistance with paying rent/mortgage and/or utilities. They can also usually offer referrals to other services within the community as needed. Call your local Salvation Army branch to apply for help.

 

 

 

Some of the needs that are in highest demand, and some of the most common ways emergency assistance is provided includes the following. The Salvation Army may be able to help with.

Clothing assistance – Many locations have an onsite clothing closet.

Emergency utilities assistance –If you are faced with a shut off of your service, funds may be provided.

Supermarket vouchers – Can be used to pay for groceries, baby formula, holiday meals, and more.

Food pantries and food baskets – Most locations have a food bank at the branch center.

Emergency lodging, shelter and meals – If you need a place to stay, or a hot or cold meal, the Florida Salvation Army branches may be able to offer this too. Programs may also be available for victims of domestic violence or the homeless.

Community meals – Specifically around the holidays, including Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, stop by for food, meals, and baskets.

Housing – Learn about, and get help for applying Section 8 in Florida, eviction prevention, and other emergency housing programs.

Household Furnishing Assistance – While focused on victims of a disaster, such as fire, others may find furniture or household items too.

Emergency Inter-City transportation assistance – Volunteers from the Salvation Army may be able to help people get to a job interview, or seniors to find transportation to a doctor or medical appointment. Car repairs may be offered too.

Sustaining Assistance –This is more guidance and case management. This type of non-monetary assistance is typically ongoing to clients of the Salvation Army and it can often provide the critical spiritual, psychological, and material difference to sustain hope for the low income, working poor, seniors and other marginalized families and individuals across Florida.

Food Pantry distributions – While the hours will vary by location, in general food is distributed by many Corps offices on a weekly, biweekly or monthly basis. Priority is usually given for senior citizens, disabled or the working poor. The free food and groceries provided are classified as emergency assistance that sustains health and nutrition to those who could not otherwise afford it.

General Advice and Supportive Social Services - Most of the Salvation Army Corps in Florida provide basic case management, emergency housing and electric bill assistance, pastoral counseling, referral to government programs and advocacy services.

Developmental Group Programs – These programs are for adolescents, children, adults, seniors and older adults are often provided on a weekly or daily basis to sustain social development for persons who would not have access to such other social services or emergency financial assistance without The Salvation Army. Programs include such activities as Career Connections Centers; Parenting Classes; Budgeting; Credit Repair; Day Care Programs for Children; Job Readiness Programs; After-School Programs and Tutoring; GED Classes; Adult Literacy Lessons; Adult Day Centers; Meals on Wheels; Life Skills Adults and Children; Anger Management; and various Job Training Programs.