Assistance programs from You Thrive Florida (formerly Mid-Florida Community Services).
Resources from You Thrive Florida previously known as Mid-Florida Community Services, Inc) can help low-income individuals in Volusia, Lake, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, and Sumter County. Case mangers try to help people become self-sufficient. Additional assistance programs offered include energy bill help from LIHEAP, Head Start (education), housing resources, senior services, and transportation. Learn more about the programs from Your Thrive Florida below as well as the contact information.
While many community action agencies in Florida (and nationwide) focus on only one service area, You Thrive Florida takes an integrated approach. A single client may receive help with paying for their rent or energy bills while also being referred to childcare, job readiness, or transportation programs. This structure means that the same agency can assist multiple members of the same household at different life stages.
Emergency financial help for bills, housing and more
Housing assistance, low-income utility bill programs and related services are overseen by You Thrive Florida. Through the LIHEAP or Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, very low income individuals and families who are eligible can receive credit towards an existing utility bill or maybe even their summer air conditioning costs. This program is funded through the federal government as well as the Florida Department of Community Affairs, Division of Housing and Community Development. There are three main programs are available. They are:
- Crisis Energy, which is program that provides households with help when they are experiencing a home energy or emergency crisis situation. Individuals and families who have received a final notice and/or disconnection of utility services, such as natural gas or electricity, may be eligible to receive help under this crisis program.
- Regular utility bill assistance also offers a credit payment that is applied to a household’s utility account. This is only offered once per year, but runs for all 12 months. There are a number of other utility bill assistance programs in Florida as well.
- In a weather-related crisis, families or individuals that have a home emergency that was caused by a specific weather disaster, such as a windstorm, hurricane, flooding, etc., can work with LIHEAP and You Thrive Florida to obtain assistance.
House to Home help people buy a home. One of the most unique programs offered by You Thrive Florida is “House to Home.” This program provides support for first-time homebuyers who might not qualify for a conventional mortgage. It assists with credit counseling, financial readiness, donated building materials, and even volunteer construction opportunities. The goal is not just to keep families housed, but to help them own a home and build equity for the long term.
The free Weatherization Assistance program helps people reduce their energy costs by making energy efficient improvements to their home. Staff from the community action agency will conduct an energy audit of your residence to determine what improvements need to be made to it. Possible improvements include installing attic ventilation, adding attic and wall insulation, repairing or replacing inefficient heating and cooling units, repairs, as well as installing solar screens.
Assistance for senior citizens and the elderly from You Thrive Florida
Senior Services are coordinated by You Thrive Florida. The agency recognizes the importance of seniors and elders in the local communities. It is a focus of the Volusia, Pasco, and nearby counties with more people retiring there. You Thrive Florida can also refer clients to other senior assistance in Florida.
You Thrive Florida operates transportation services for low-income individuals, in particular senior citizens, who lack reliable vehicles. The goal is to remove transportation barriers that prevent access to employment or healthcare. Trips may be available for job interviews, medical appointments, or essential errands.
- Other programs help older adults. You Thrive Florida is involved in Respite Care, Emergency Alert Response, Medicare applications and other services. Seniors, through weatherization, may even qualify for repair or replace inefficient heating & cooling units. Additional Senior Services are offered from You Thrive Florida as part of the federally funded Older Americans Act Title III Program. Many of these are run in partnership with the agency on aging in Florida.
For older residents, You Thrive Florida operates home-delivered meals, congregate dining, and wellness services around nutritional. Seniors who are isolated or homebound can receive regular wellness checks and meals prepared to meet nutrition standards. The agency also coordinates transportation for doctor visits, dialysis, or grocery trips.
Student and children social services from You Thrive FL
Head Start is a form of Education and learning program for children. Working in collaboration with other non-profit community partner organizations, You Thrive Florida manages several early education centers across multiple counties. Its Head Start and Early Head Start programs serve children from birth to age 5 from low-income families. These centers provide free meals, early learning curriculum, developmental screenings, and parental engagement classes.
- In addition to educating children to be prepared to enter school, the Head Start program provides family, disability assistance and free health care services to those that need them. These programs are available in the following counties of Hernando, Sumter, and Volusia Florida.
Too many children in Volusia, Pasco and nearby counties are food insecure. You Thrive Florid) works to try to feed the hungry, including students and children. Whether it is a free food pantry, or snacks on the weekend or summer months (when school is not in session), help is offered. Find free groceries given away near you.
You Thrive Florida office locations
There are multiple sites, depending on the county. Whether a grant or help for seniors, or some other form of assistance, resources are offered. Its rebranding from Mid-Florida Community Services to You Thrive Florida in 2024 reflected this broader mission to help families not only survive but thrive through education, empowerment, and stability.
- Hernando County, 800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd, Brooksville, FL 34601, telephone: (352) 796-1425 .
- In Pasco County, dial (352) 796-1425 with offices at 5705 Gulf Drive, New Port Richey, FL 34652 as well as 14446 7th Street, Dade City, FL 33523.
- Lake County senior programs can be reached at (352) 326-3540.
- Volusia County residents should call (386) 736-1325 or (352) 796-1427.
- Sumter County, 100 East Dade Avenue, Bushnell, FL 33513, main phone (352)796-1425.
- Citrus County residents can call (352) 796-1425.
Related Content From Needhelppayingbills.com
|
