Children's Home Society, NCD Tree House Shelter

*Program of the Children's Home Society that Big Bend Community-Based Care uses to place abused and/or neglected children, ages 2-11, referred by DCF *Provides food, clothing, health services, counseling and recreation in a safe family environment *Children must be referred by DCF; does not take self-referrals *Location is confidential

Services: Child Abuse Counseling, Child Abuse Prevention, Youth Shelters

ChristTown Ministries, Inc

*Christian-based, 12 bed residency program only for men offering assistance in overcoming drug/alcohol abuse; meals, clothing, continuing education, rehabilitation, job placement, and Biblical-based studies on life issues provided *Living facility is not wheelchair accessible and does not allow men on psychotic medication

Services: Residential Substance Use Disorder Treatment Facilities, Transitional Housing/Shelter

City Walk Urban Mission, Men's Re-entry Transitional Housing

*Transitional housing in a Christian setting for male offenders (including non citizens) to help make the transition from incarceration back into the community *Confidential locations in Wakulla and Leon Counties *Applicants may come from social workers at jails, agency referrals; about to be released or recently incarcerated men may request an application via email Emily@citywalkmission.

Services: Ex-Offender Reentry Programs, Transitional Housing/Shelter

Community Action Agency, Getting Ahead

*Program consists of two components including a 15-week class called Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-by World; then upon completion, participants shift to the Staying Ahead Program where they are paired with 2 mentors who meet regularly for about 6 months to advise, counsel and encourage *Program assists with GED, trade/vocational education, higher education to improve opportunities for jobs with a livable wage; employability skills, and opportunity to participate in the Agency’s On-The-Job Training (OJT) Program; job placement, coaching, and counseling; ongoing counseling, monitoring, and support from a case manager/social worker to ensure continued progress toward family self-sufficiency goals; multiple opportunities for crisis/emergency assistance during the first year (rent, utilities, food vouchers, transportation, childcare) based on the availability of resources *Participants meet once a week in a relaxed discussion type atmosphere and class members work closely with Career Source, TCC and Lively Vocational School; funding may be available to pay for tuition, books, job training, childcare on a case by case basis *Call for more information about class dates and times *Persons interested in becoming a mentor may fill out an application on website or call to volunteer

Services: Career Counseling, Child Care Expense Assistance, Economic Self Sufficiency Programs, Employment Preparation, Financial Literacy Training, GED/High School Equivalency Test Instruction, Mentoring Programs, Personal Financial Counseling, Vocational Education, Volunteer Opportunities

Community Action Agency, Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

3/4/2024: NO FUNDING AVAILABLE AS OF APRIL 7, 2023 *Program for low income persons or families as home owners and renters who seek to reduce utility bills by improving the energy efficiency of the home by adding weather stripping, caulking, window and door repairs if they cause air to enter the home, wrapping water heaters, installing attic insulation, energy-efficient light bulb and smoke detector installation, repair of heating and cooling units which are not working well, install solar screens; and install ventilation systems to improve indoor air quality (as needed) *Preference given to elderly (60 years or older), disabled persons, families with children under 12 years old and households with repeated high utility bills with priority given based on the amount of need (not a first come, first served program) *Before being accepted, a signed application must be accompanied by proof of current income for all household members, a photo ID of the applicant, documentation of property ownership, signed owner agreement to repair, rental agreement (if applicable), and copy of recent utility bill and other form; after eligibility is determined, an on-site evaluation and diagnostic test is completed including a blower door test for air infiltration, carbon monoxide test, inspection of structural conditions and health & safety inspection; once the diagnostic test evaluation is complete, a work-plan is approved and weatherization services are provided by cost-effective professional *Application for Weatherization assistance can be found on the website, but persons without internet access may call and request an application

Services: Weatherization Programs

Consumer Debt Counselors, Inc

*Non-profit assisting individuals and families having financial problems with financial counseling, responsible use of consumer credit and money, education about predatory lending practices, low-cost or no-cost debt management programs for qualifying individuals/families, and HUD-approved housing counseling

Services: Credit Counseling, Foreclosure Prevention Loan Modification/Refinancing Programs, Personal Financial Counseling

Divine Mercy House

*Christian maternity home (5 beds) for women off all faiths over the age of 18 facing a crisis pregnancy and carrying their baby to term to raise or place for adoption; residency available to women after their first trimester and usually continues until six to eight months postpartum; includes a private, furnished bedroom with shared bathroom, personal supplies for mom and baby, laundry room, electric, water, internet, kitchen, dining room and transportation *Attendance is required at morning prayer and weekly worship; residents will attend and participate in all group activities such as life skill classes, nursing/parenting classes, Junior Achievement programs, counseling, weekly worship services, educational and recreational activities and any volunteer or special events offered; residents will earn a GED or and/or complete vocational coursework as well as participate in assigned household duties unless a resident has received an excused absence due to a medical or emergency situation *Initial screening will include a drug screening and background check (free of charge), new residents will undergo a 30-day probation period, which includes surrender of personal cell phone and access to vehicle, abstinence from alcohol, drugs, sexual activity and tobacco, which will remain in effect throughout the program; and a drug test which can be repeated at any time during residency *Residents must disclose and submit all financial information to the staff and will be required to submit all money which will be handled as follows: one-third will be used to support the house; one-third will be returned to the resident when she exits the program, and one-third will be retained by the resident for personal use; if it is determined a resident has withheld money or financial information during residency it will be considered cause for immediate dismissal

Services: Maternity Homes

Du Bois Rescue, Inc.

*Operates in all Big Bend counties to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals that are abandoned or abused *Does not have a shelter, but animals rescued by volunteers are placed in foster homes until adopted *As funds are available, assists with pet food, medications, spay/neuter vouchers *Takes notifications of lost pets; try to include a photo when notifying *Can also send a message to their facebook page

Services: Animal Rescue, Foster Care/Temporary Shelter for Animals

Dwellings, The

*Community of "Tiny Homes" for single men and women (18+) and families with children searching for secure housing and supportive services to disadvantaged persons who may not meet traditional requirements; low to-middle income *3 size homes; small (for 1 person), medium (for 2 individuals) and large (up to 3 individuals), priced at $750, $900 and $1050, which includes utilities, internet service and 3 meals a day M-F (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) weekends and holidays excluded *Must meet minimum income; no sliding scale, subsidized funding or acceptance of vouchers *Must be willing to comply with rules of program agreement, must attend community meetings *May include provision for referrals for life-improving skills and other social services *Each house equipped with smart technology, Alexa, and other modalities *Community includes community gardens, hydroponic greenhouse, walking trails, laundry facilities, a community center and on-site support staff *Zero tolerance for drugs, weapons, antisocial behavior and illegal activities *Smoking not permitted in homes and buildings, only on front porches

Services: Homelessness Prevention Programs, Low Income/Subsidized Rental Housing

Early Learning Coalition of NW Florida

*Information and referral for child care, after school programs, developmental assessments, early intervention for children with special needs, school readiness programs, and Voluntary Pre-K *Toll-free number and two regional offices serve seven county area *Parents can register for VPK and Child Care Assistance at www.

Services: Child Care Centers, Child Care Expense Assistance, Early Intervention for Children With Disabilities/Delays, Extended Child Care, Pediatric Developmental Assessment, Preschools