At the Women’s Resource Center, our utmost concern is the health and safety of our staff, volunteers, clients and community. News about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) increases daily. It is important to respond to our community’s needs, especially as those needs evolve or change during this time. Below we have provided a list of local resources that may be able to help.

The WRC Resource Report – a weekly report that highlights local and national resources during this time.

WRC Remote Programs & Services are available! More information here.

RECEIVE RESOURCES IN YOUR INBOX!

 

What type of resources are you looking for today?

News & Emergency Resources

Health Resources

Helpful Hotlines

United Way FREE Hotline | 2-1-1

2-1-1 is a FREE service provided by United Way that connects area residents to critical health and social service resources when they need help. From help with a household bill, food assistance, or counseling for suicide prevention, calling United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round. Instead of searching the phone book or internet when faced with a crisis, think of 2-1-1 as your first call for help.

People can reach 2-1-1:

  • By phone – Dial 211
  • By Email – uw211help@gmail.com
  • By Online Chat
  • By Text – Text zip code to 898-211

Learn how 2-1-1 it works, check out these videos:

Season of Sharing Fund

Season of Sharing helps individuals and families on the verge of homelessness who reside in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties. The funds may be used for rental assistance, utility bills, child care, transportation, food vouchers and other expenses associated with helping families get back on their feet.

Individuals seeking funds, must meet with a caseworker through a social service agency to apply for the funds.

Not sure which agency matches your needs? United Way 2-1-1 assists potential clients in finding an appropriate agency.

Financial Resources:

  • LIHEAP: Need help with your utility bills? LIHEAP can help! Get in touch and get help from LIHEAP today by going to their website, LIHEAP Program.
  • Emergency Rental Assistance Searchable Database – find available financial assistance for renters who are having trouble paying rent, utilities or other housing costs. Local and Statewide assistance available.
  • Manatee CARES, Emergency Rental Assistance Program (Manatee County Only): This program provides funds to renters in Manatee County and its municipalities who are delinquent on rent and in need of rental payment assistance due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible renters may receive grant funds for up to 12 months of assistance. Find out more info and get personalized help with the application process here, Manatee CARES ERA Program.
  • Sarasota County, Emergency Rental Assistance Program (Sarasota County Only): Eligible households may receive up to 12 months of assistance, plus an additional three months if the grantee determines the extra months are needed to ensure housing stability and grantee funds are available. Click here to find out more information and get personalized help from, Sarasota County ERA Program.
  • Advance Child Tax Credit Payments 2021 – for the tax year 2021, eligible families can receive payments of the Child Tax Credit from July through December.
  • OUR Florida: Florida’s federally-funded emergency rental assistance relief program to support residents and businesses as they continue to recover and rebuild. OUR Florida is currently accepting applications for rental and utility assistance. Click here to find out more information, OUR Florida Program.
  • Bank On Suncoast: A certified checking account that is safe and affordable, featuring no overdraft fees and bill pay functions. These certified accounts come with debit cards, a free bill pay function, or four free insured money orders each month. Click here to find out more information, Bank On Suncoast.

Food Service Sites

Employment Resources

For Job-Seekers

  • Free Remote Career Advising – Our Career Advising program offers individual assistance in preparing for a successful job search. Includes resume preparation, interviewing skills, networking techniques, available local job list and more!
  • CareerSource Employment Services: Please call (941) 358-4200 to speak with a Career Coach and discuss your options for virtual job search, workshops and career coaching.
  • Job Search: employflorida.com
  • Reemployment Assistance Programs
  • Florida Unemployment Guide
  • Training Opportunities – Training, services, and scholarships beyond CareerSource Suncoast’s career services are available if you are eligible through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
  • Ticket to Work Program – a free and voluntary self-sufficiency program that increases employment opportunities and choices for Social Security disability beneficiaries. If you are an adult and receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you qualify for the Ticket to Work program.

Helpful Job Searching Tools

Your Chamber Resources:

Companies Currently Hiring for Full-Time or Part-Time Position

The Women’s Resource Center is here to help!

Local and national employers contact our team weekly to provide information on their available job listings and we want to share them with you.

Available Job Listings >>

For Parents & Families

Educational Resources

Talking to Kids About COVID-19

Family Safety Guidelines and Resources

Resources for Children

Self Care Resources

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