How Season of Sharing is Responding to COVID-19

As an initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are relying on the time-tested and trusted Season of Sharing partnership with the Herald-Tribune Media Group and our multiple nonprofit agencies to help the most vulnerable individuals and families with immediate basic needs such as payments for utilities, childcare, and rent or mortgage. Even in normal times, Season of Sharing is vital to many in our community, and we are fortunate to have it to help in addition to the government and private measures offered. Season of Sharing is one of several options available to assist.

Season of Sharing is a community-wide fundraising partnership that was formed 20 years ago that helps individuals and families in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties avoid homelessness. It is an option for support when all other means such as public, government, and private funding have been exhausted. Since 2000, nearly $24 million has been provided to more than 35,000 families and older adults to remain in their homes. As always, all donations — 100% — go directly to helping families stay in their homes.

“As a community-wide campaign founded on collaboration and partnership, trust lies at the heart of Season of Sharing,” says Roxie Jerde, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. “Nonprofit organizations trust in the long-established processes put forth by the Community Foundation. Case workers, and those they assist, trust that their concerns will be heard and helped in a compassionate yet timely manner. Donors trust that 100% of their contribution will go to those local residents in need of help.”

Season of Sharing continues to operate within its current guidelines in providing support to individuals and families facing challenges. Gifts made to Season of Sharing to support our neighbors will augment federal, state, and private measures. The Community Foundation of Sarasota County is working with a network of nonprofit partners and fiscal agents to quickly and effectively direct Season of Sharing resources and release funds as quickly as possible. All contributions made to Season of Sharing will be delivered to local residents in need of help.

Individuals and families working with a caseworker associated with a local human services agency can access Season of Sharing financial assistance up to $1,800. The nonprofit organizations are provided the funds to pay the rent or mortgage, a utility bill, or childcare providers on behalf of the client. If you are looking to request help through Season of Sharing, United Way 2-1-1 assists potential clients in finding the appropriate agency through their free 24 hour, 7 days a week, year-round service. You can contact United Way 2-1-1:
By phone – Dial 211
By Email – uw211help@gmail.com
By Online Chat at – https://211.gs-humanservices.org/
By Text – Text zip code to 898-211

For more information on how Season of Sharing is helping families and individuals through the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit www.cfsarasota.org/season-of-sharing.