Metropolitan Ministries is seeking community support for families facing homelessness or other dire situations as housing and other costs continue to rise.
The organization, which serves those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, has provided more than $1.2 million in assistance to those in need over the past 11 months, and expects an additional $300,000 in need, over the next two months.
To meet those needs, the organization is launching an Emergency Family Crisis Response campaign, through the end of the month, to help families who are facing high rent, limited affordable housing options and difficulty paying for utilities and food — challenges that are causing more families to face eviction, homelessness or tough decisions about forgoing food, medicine, electricity or other basic needs.
The need is staggering.
In recent months, Metropolitan Ministries has received more than 4,000 housing assistance requests, far exceeding the 120-family capacity at its residential shelters.
To make matters more dire for the organization, donations have been on the decline, as individuals who typically provide charitable contributions face tougher financial situations amid ongoing inflation.
Additionally, families face added burdens over the summer months when children are out of school and have fewer meal options.
The new fundraising campaign is a call to action to current, previous and prospective donors to help provide rental assistance, food, motel vouchers and help with water and electricity bills, for those in need.
The campaign is getting a boost from an unnamed donor who is matching donations to Metropolitan Ministries up to $100,000.
Those interested in contributing may do so, or find more information, at the Metropolitan Ministries website.
Founded more than a half-century ago, Metropolitan Ministries provides hunger relief, emergency shelter, residential programs, education, job training, family support services, affordable housing and more to those facing dire financial situations, up to and including homelessness. The organization has locations in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties, serving more than 90,000 families including 157,000 children each year.