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JFCS of the Suncoast awarded grant from the Manatee Community Foundation to support Homelessness Prevention Contact Name: Trisha Kauffman Contact Email: TKauffman@JFCS-Cares.org Contact Phone Number: 941-226-5667 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." #### About Jewish Family & Children’s Service of the Suncoast: JFCS of the Suncoast is one of the area’s leading mental health and human services agencies. Services are delivered on a non-denominational basis, inspired by the Jewish tradition of helping all people. With a goal to empower individuals to self-sufficiency and stability, JFCS services provide comprehensive care to community members in need. For more information, visit https://JFCS-Cares.org/ About Manatee Community Foundation (MCF): Manatee Community Foundation is a charitable organization founded in 1998. MCF partners with our citizens to strengthen and enhance our community through philanthropy, education and service - now and forever. MCF is the bridge between generous donors, business leaders, our government and nonprofit partners, who work together so that everyone can thrive, because we believe that together, we can do greater things. MCF has invested over $55million dollars in the areas of health and human services, education, arts and culture, the environment and animal welfare and is committed to investing in its diversity, equity, inclusion and access work. As the only community foundation in Manatee County, MCF is your partner in philanthropy, a trusted steward of charitable legacies and the guide for current giving through donor advised funds and beyond. See more information about Manatee Community Foundation at www.manateecf.org.