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JFCS of the Suncoast awarded grant from the Manatee Community Foundation to support Homelessness Prevention Contact: Trisha Kauffman Phone: 941-226-5667 Email: TKauffman@JFCS-Cares.org JFCS of the Suncoast received a $8,103 grant from the Thomas Robert Wall Family Foundation Fund II of the Manatee Community Foundation for its Building Strong Families program. The grant will provide direct financial assistance to single-parent households at risk of homelessness in Manatee County. Building Strong Families (BSF) was established to prevent homelessness among families with school-aged children, to help avoid school disruptions that are detrimental to students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being. BSF works with families facing a housing crisis to keep their children in the school of origin and provides financial assistance and case management to secure housing stability. Financial assistance may include mortgage, rent, and utilities; households qualify based on family size and household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). Case managers engage program participants with an assessment of their financial health to create a realistic budget by reducing controllable expenses and increasing income from benefits or improved employment. BSF case management may include up to three months to assist the household with their objectives to achieve housing security. JFCS typically serves low to moderate income and ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) populations. The ALICE population in Manatee County is 41% overall but the percentages are higher among minorities and single parents. This population lives paycheck to paycheck and is often one financial crisis away from homelessness. "We are incredibly grateful to the Manatee Community Foundation and the Thomas Robert Wall Family Foundation Fund II for this generous grant," said Helene Lotman, President/CEO of JFCS of the Suncoast. "This support will enable us to provide critical financial assistance to single-parent households in our community, helping them achieve housing stability and ensuring their children can continue their education without disruption. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in preventing homelessness and strengthening the well-being of our families."