Where can I go for help?
Overall:
Helpline - 211 service (English & Spanish Services)
A full menu of mental health and other community services for specific needs
United Way Suncoast https://unitedwaysuncoast.org/government-shutdown-resources/
Utilities:
Duke Energy - impacted customers can reach out for deferred assistance, must provide impact letter indicating loss of wages https://www.duke-energy.com/home/billing/special-assistance
Heating - you might be able to find resources and help through you provider - google “your provider name - help for customers impacted by the shutdown”
Consumer protection - as we hear of scams, we’ll get the word out; please let us know if you hear of anything!
Organizations that provide support in addition to accepting donations and volunteers
St Pete Free Clinic - With compassion and respect, St. Pete Free Clinic changes lives by providing health care, nutritious food, housing, and education for our neighbors in need.
A full service website with numbers to call - https://thespfc.org/
A Food Pantry Map - https://thespfc.org/map/
The We Help Services FRESH Pantry - FRESH, nutritious produce, meats, food staples, and hygiene items for FREE to any Pinellas County resident in need through an indoor choice option and two drive-thru options. https://thespfc.org/food-hygiene/ 727-821-1200
We Help FRESH Pantry FREE Grocery - 863 3rd Ave North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Feeding Tampa Bay - A full service website with numbers to call https://feedingtampabay.org/governmentshutdown
Services for specific groups:
Furloughed workers
Services regarding unemployment benefits, etc. - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/furlough-guidance/
SNAP/WIC beneficiaries - updated information which we cull from the media and local resources - we will try to keep track and share if requested
Veterans
Veteran services Pinellas County - https://pinellas.gov/department/veterans-services/
Clearwater- 727.464.8460
St.Pete- 727-582-7828
Pet Owners
County continues to operate animal assistance programs, including pet pantry and vouchers.
Humane Society of Pinellas - Pet Pantry - https://www.humanesocietyofpinellas.org/pet-food/ 727-797-7722
FEMA recipients
Current or 2024 requests which are still current, these services are currently on hold, but a very helpful local resource is
Bay Area Legal Services - https://bals.org/ helpline 813-232-1343
Job Seekers
Career Source for Organizations needing staffing enhancement following Hurricanes can qualify for Dislocated Worker; Grant funds are available (up to 6 mo pay rate of $17.70/hr).
Additionally, those impacted by shutdown and/or hurricanes can qualify for employment as well.
Tuition assistance programs also available. bennetts@careersourcetb.com; 813-930-7659