Community Foundation of Sarasota County Awards Family Promise of South Sarasota County Over $29,000 For Bridge Housing Program

January 27, 2021 – Venice

Family Promise of South Sarasota County (FPSSC) is pleased to have received $29,800 from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s Equity and Access Grant Program. FPSSC received these funds to support their Bridge Housing Program.  The Bridge Housing Program provides temporary shelter, meals and comprehensive services to homeless children and their families.  The “Day Center” located in Venice, FL, provides a safe place for families during the day while the organization’s partnership with area churches provides overnight shelter and food. “We provide shelter, meals, basic needs (clothing, toiletries, personal items), case management and resources to families in transition”, said Jennifer Fagenbaum, FPSSC’s Executive Director.  “During the day, families have access to our Day Center which is a hub for the organization. This center provides a permanent address for families, training, and case management services. All adults meet for employment consultation and financial counseling”.

Area churches, known as “Host Congregations,” provide their facility for one week at a time—approximately once every three months. Families arrive at 5pm for dinner and stay overnight. During the day, kids go to daycare or school and parents go to work. On Sundays, the families move to the next host congregation site. Support congregations provide volunteer and financial support to host congregations. 

“Approximately 75% of the families that go through our Bridge Housing Program consist of single mothers, and the funds received from the Equity and Access Grant Program will have a direct impact on these participants”, said Fagenbaum.  “We expect to see a significant increase in the need for temporary housing as the effects of COVID-19 linger in our community, and these funds will allow us to continue to meet these needs.”

There are over 450 children in South Sarasota County schools who have been identified as homeless. Children experiencing housing instability have five times higher risk for developmental challenges and poor health and functioning.  They are also five times more likely to miss school, nine times more likely to repeat a grade, and four times more likely to not graduate. In 2018, Family Promise of South Sarasota County helped 59 families with a total of 110 children in need. 

For more information about how to support Family Promise of South Sarasota County, contact Jennifer Fagenbaum at (941) 497-9881 ext.106 or 
jenniferfagenbaum@familypromisessc.org