Emergency Food and Water - Hurricane Ian is dedicated to supporting Florida residents affected by Hurricane Ian in Punta Gorda and surrounding areas. We have established multiple Points of Distribution that provide essential food assistance, clean drinking water, and ice to meet the urgent needs of our community. Our mission is to ensure that those impacted have access to the resources necessary for recovery and sustenance during this challenging time. For the latest updates on distribution locations, we encourage residents to consult the Florida Division of Emergency Management's resources.

The CAN Help! Program in Punta Gorda, FL, is dedicated to uplifting vulnerable populations, focusing on seniors, elderly veterans, individuals with disabilities, and those facing economic hardships, particularly in the aftermath of COVID-19. Our mission is to foster meaningful connections through one-to-one visitations, ensuring each individual receives not just assistance but also companionship and emotional support. We believe in the power of friendship as a fundamental aspect of well-being, and we are committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need within our community.

The Dysphagia Outreach Project Food Bank in Punta Gorda, FL is dedicated to ensuring that individuals with dysphagia have access to the essential resources they need for better health and quality of life. We specialize in providing a range of vital services including food thickeners, pre-modified foods, therapy tools, oral care supplies, and adaptive equipment, all aimed at supporting low-income individuals facing swallowing difficulties. Our mission is to empower those we serve by offering practical solutions that enhance their well-being and promote dignity in daily living.

Located in Punta Gorda, Florida, CORE is dedicated to providing vital financial assistance to families within the restaurant industry facing financial challenges due to illness or medical emergencies. We understand the unique pressures that food and beverage service employees encounter, especially when children are involved. Our program offers support for essential expenses such as rent or mortgage, utilities, medical bills, therapy, and childcare costs, ensuring families have the stability they need during tough times. We are here to help, knowing that financial difficulties can arise unexpectedly, and we aim to alleviate some of that burden. Former recipients can apply for support again after 12 months, with a lifetime cap of $7,500 to ensure our resources are available to as many as possible. At CORE, we are committed to walking alongside families as they navigate through these challenges.

At PROJECT: VetRelief in Punta Gorda, FL, we are dedicated to providing vital emergency assistance to service members and their families in times of need. Our mission focuses on delivering immediate financial support for essential necessities such as shelter, food, utilities, and critical health expenses. We understand the urgency of these situations and aim to alleviate the burden by offering funds that can be accessed one time annually per household. Although we do not accept walk-in appointments or hand-delivered applications, we encourage those seeking help to reach out to us for the assistance they deserve.

At Food Stamp Assistance in Punta Gorda, FL, we are dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate the Food Stamp application process with ease and compassion. Our mission is to ensure that every person has access to critical food assistance, alleviating the burdens of poverty without adding unnecessary stress. Through a simple and user-friendly screener, we guide you in assessing your eligibility for SNAP benefits. Our program not only provides support in applying for government benefits but also connects you with community partners who can assist you directly, making the process even more accessible. If you or someone you know might benefit from emergency food support, we invite you to reach out and explore your options with our resources—together, we can ensure that no one in our community goes hungry.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Punta Gorda, FL, is dedicated to providing essential food assistance to low-income families, helping them access the healthy foods they need for their households. This vital program, commonly referred to as food stamps, supports households by allowing them to purchase nutritious items such as bread, cereals, fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products. SNAP is designed for those who depend on one another for meals and fosters food security by enabling families to grow their own food through the purchase of plants and seeds. Those in need can easily apply for assistance online through the Florida Department of Children and Families’ ACCESS system or at designated community partner sites. Additionally, paper applications are available for mailing, faxing, or submitting to local Customer Service Centers, ensuring that help is accessible to all who need it in our community.

Hammy's Heart, located in Punta Gorda, FL, is dedicated to supporting families of critically ill children during their most challenging times. Understanding the financial burdens they face, we provide essential food assistance through gift cards that help alleviate the pressure of grocery bills. Our program focuses solely on families with children who meet specific medical criteria, verified by a healthcare provider. To participate, a referral from a social worker or medical professional is required, ensuring that we can deliver targeted relief to those who need it most. At Hammy's Heart, we believe in taking care of one of life's most fundamental needs—feeding families when they need it most.

The Selma Schimmel Vital Grant in Punta Gorda, FL, is dedicated to supporting individuals navigating the financial burdens that often accompany chronic, terminal, or rare conditions such as cancer, Parkinson’s, or Huntington’s Disease. Through our program, we offer crucial assistance with utilities or grocery expenses, helping to alleviate some of the financial strain during difficult times. In addition, we collaborate with other organizations to connect recipients with additional resources and support. Our mission is to provide compassionate, practical help to those who need it most, ensuring that no one faces these challenges alone.

In Punta Gorda, FL, Critical Financial Assistance is dedicated to supporting military families facing financial hardships with comprehensive services designed to address urgent needs. We provide food assistance, cover essential home items, facilitate auto repairs, and assist with medical and dental expenses. Our programs extend to help with moving assistance, rent and mortgage relief, and vision care, ensuring that wounded veterans and their families have access to crucial resources during challenging times. Families in need are encouraged to apply through our platform, where applications are processed with care, even amidst high demand. At Critical Financial Assistance, we are committed to uplifting those who serve our nation by helping to alleviate their financial burdens and promote stability.

The Ovarian Cancer Treatment Fund, located in Punta Gorda, FL, is dedicated to improving the lives of ovarian cancer patients by offering critical financial assistance aimed at non-medical expenses. Each approved patient receives a one-time payment of $1,000 to alleviate the burdens associated with treatment accessibility. Our support can be used for vital needs such as transportation to medical appointments, housing costs, utility bills, groceries, childcare, and essential home services. We believe in empowering patients by addressing these financial challenges, making it easier for them to focus on their health and recovery. Income eligibility requirements vary, and we ensure a thorough verification process during the application period to assist as many patients as possible in their fight against ovarian cancer.

At Destiny Adoption Services in Punta Gorda, FL, we are dedicated to providing compassionate support for birth mothers choosing adoption. Our mission is to empower women by offering financial assistance that covers essential needs like rent, utilities, food, and transportation costs, ensuring they receive the help needed throughout their pregnancy. Alongside our financial support, we prioritize comprehensive mental and emotional guidance to navigate this journey, providing resources and education for those who wish to continue their pregnancies. While we do not offer or refer for pregnancy terminations, we stand firmly with birth mothers, assisting them through every step of their adoption process. To learn more about how we can help, we invite you to reach out to us directly via phone or email.

At the Financial Resource Center in Punta Gorda, FL, we understand the profound impact that a cancer diagnosis can have on families. As medical bills stack up, many are forced to make difficult choices between essential expenses such as rent, groceries, and transportation to treatment. Our mission is to provide critical financial assistance, ensuring that no family has to face these tough decisions alone. By alleviating the burden of financial stress, we help families focus on what truly matters – their health and well-being. Together, we create a support system that empowers families to navigate the complexities of cancer care with dignity and hope.