Annual outreach gets underway: Community With A Heart campaign embarks on season of caring

Hands of group friends in the shape of a heart against the sunset.

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Posted December 3, 2021 | By Susan Smiley-Height

For many people, making ends meet is a constant challenge. When you add to that the stress of falling behind on the rent, having a hole in the roof of your home or not being able to pay the utility bill, life can seem pretty discouraging, especially during the holiday season.

But, thankfully, there is one annual outreach that is continuing to offer a hand up to those who are struggling. The Community With A Heart campaign, which relies on donations, begins in early November and runs through the middle of January. The nonprofit group is governed by a board of 13 members who are affiliated with area help agencies. Those who are seeking assistance must register with one of the agencies, present documentation of need and demonstrate self-sustainability.

“Community With a Heart is such a unique program because we can assist with things that most nonprofits can’t, such as car repairs, property taxes and rental deposits,” said board chair Monica Bryant, the Family Violence Prevention Coordinator with the Marion County Children’s Alliance. “A lot of landlords have increased rental prices, so we’re seeing a lot of requests for help with expenses to move in to a place. Most can afford the monthly rent, but can’t come up with the money needed for the deposit and first and last month all at one time.”

The goal of the program, she explained, is to help families who have experienced an unexpected major life event get back on their feet.

“We don’t put band aids on the problem. If they can’t pay their bills each month, they won’t qualify for the program. We have to be good stewards and use the money donated wisely,” Bryant affirmed.

Over 35 years, Community With a Heart has collected more than $1.8 million, of which $74,290 was raised during the 2020-2021 campaign. The funds are used to help those in need in Marion County.

The board members meet once a week during the campaign to review applications that have been vetted by a case worker. The case worker will make a home visit and the applicant must show some certification of need, such as two estimates from a home repair agency if they are requesting help to get that leak fixed in the roof.

“The board reviews case by case and votes on who receives support. It has to be a majority vote,” Bryant said. “And no money goes to the person; it goes to the landlord, or the car repair shop, or whatever.”

There is a cap of assistance at $1,200 and approved applicants may not apply again for five years.

Those wishing to seek help from Community With a Heart should contact one of these agencies for a referral: Marion County Children’s Alliance, Brother’s Keeper, Interfaith Emergency Services, Marion County School Social Services, Salvation Army, Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida Inc., Ocala Housing Authority, Soul Harvest Ministries, Isaiah Foundation, City of Ocala, Central Florida Community Action Agency, Marion County Community Services and Habitat for Humanity.

In addition to monetary donations, here are other ways to support the campaign:

• Marion County Children’s Alliance: Funds for emergency shelter in motel/hotel for victims and survivors of domestic violence; gas cards, new, unwrapped toys or gift cards for teenagers 12 to 18 years old. (352) 438-5993.
• Brother’s Keeper: Gas cards, bus passes, unwrapped toys for children ages 1 to 12. (352) 622-3846.
• Salvation Army: Shampoo and conditioner, coats for children ages 2 to 12, towels, bedding, bus passes and canned food items. (352) 732-8326.
• Interfaith Emergency Services: Towels, coats for all ages, Bus passes and non-perishable food items. (352) 629-8868.

“After 35 years, people still look forward to this program. We receive calls throughout the year looking for assistance from Community With a Heart because a lot of families are dealing with one crisis after another. It’s so amazing to see how this program changes people’s lives and makes it possible for them to be able to take care of their families,” Bryant shared. “Although the program runs November through January, donations are accepted year-round. And without the generosity of our donors, there would be no Community With a Heart.”

To donate, mail checks to Community With A Heart Fund, P.O. Box 1777, Ocala, FL 34478. Donations are tax deductible.