Expanded Services to Help Struggling Families
With families in Tampa Bay facing increased costs of living – food, housing, and utilities now account for 60% of a household budget – along with mounting affordability pressures and a prolonged period of economic instability caused by the pandemic, recent hurricanes, and now the government shutdown, Metropolitan Ministries is experiencing unprecedented demand for assistance for those in need. Families who previously were able to get by are now experiencing food insecurity for the first time or more acutely. We are now serving double the number of households per month in our food markets.
In response to the expanding needs of seniors, working and homeless families, and now government workers in need of assistance, Metropolitan Ministries has launched the following six key initiatives for the community to access as needed:
1. Expanded outreach and prevention programs by doubling access for government workers to pantry food boxes.
2. Increased the number of community meal sites to 54 locations throughout Tampa Bay where hot meals are available – a 13% increase in hot meals, with over 57,000 hot meals served in September alone.
3. Through partnerships and an additional $500,000 in board-approved reserves, utility and rent assistance programs are being expanded.
4. Within the past year, emergency shelter beds in Pasco and Pinellas have been expanded to keep children safe and families from sleeping in their cars – a 30% increase in family shelter units.
5. With Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching, the number of holiday tent sites has expanded to four standup tents and four additional pop-up sites to help 30,000 families. Over 49% of the Thanksgiving assistance slots are already filled, a strong indicator of need.
6. Metro’s Counseling and Resiliency Center is offering six free counseling sessions to federal workers as they navigate difficult circumstances.
Additionally, if SNAP benefits are paused in November and federal workers continue to go without paychecks, we anticipate an even greater surge in demand, with as many as 4,000 families a month seeking help with food, quadrupling demand.
“As someone who cares deeply about the well-being of children, families, and seniors in our community, I know that Metropolitan Ministries is only able to make a real difference because of the compassion and generosity of our neighbors. Every donation directly helps those struggling right here in Tampa Bay – supporting kids, parents, and seniors who need us most. For 53 years, we’ve stood together, and with the continued partnership of our volunteers and donors, we’ll keep expanding our services to ensure no one faces hunger or hardship alone.”
Dr. Sarah Combs, President and CEO
How You Can Help
• Make a financial donation to support expanded services – donations are being matched by an anonymous donor (up to $100,000)
• Organize food drives in neighborhoods, schools, churches, and workplaces
• Volunteer your time to help
Without community support, Metropolitan Ministries could face a critical food shortage – just as we are preparing to serve 30,000 families this holiday season.
Donate
Donations are being matched by an anonymous donor (up to $100,000)
Host A Drive
Hosting a drive for food or other life essentials can make a significant impact on families in need. And it’s a great way to build community through the shared joy of giving with your friends, your neighborhood, your workplace, or your church.
Volunteer
We have volunteer opportunities on our main campuses and within our community-based programs in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties. Tasks include building food boxes, assisting with meal preparation in the kitchen, serving and delivering meals on site in our local neighborhoods. Individuals and groups can sign up for shifts online.
Need Help?
Our Family Support Centers and Meal Sites can help those in need during this time. Registration is now open for out Holiday Tent assistance program.