Change For Change
Providing a Helping Hand to the Homeless
Susan B. has worked since she was 16. She married, had three kids and bought a home. Ten months ago, it all disappeared when her husband died in an automobile accident and she was left to fend for herself and the children. She lost the house as bills stacked up and creditors began calling. Like so many Tallahassee residents, she and her husband lived from paycheck to paycheck, with no money to handle this type of emergency. Too embarrassed to ask for assistance, the family lived with friends and in the family van for more than a month. Susan is the face of homelessness in our community.
Homelessness continues to be a growing problem across the United States. The Tallahassee-Leon County area is no exception. Low wages and the lack of affordable housing for very low-income individuals and families contribute to the problem.
In surveys conducted by the Tallahassee Coalition for the Homeless, local homeless counts have more than doubled since the early and mid -1990's. The latest survey indicated a count of 703 people. The actual number of local homeless is estimated to be well over 1,000, and of that number, more than 300 may be children.
Our homeless population is not limited to people out on the streets or housed in local facilities. The majority of the homeless are individuals and families who live with relatives or friends, sleeping on sofas or floors at other peoples' houses.
How can I help?
The City has teamed with local homeless advocates and area congregations to create a program that allows City utility customers to opt to support services for the homeless in their community. Customers who choose to participate can make a monthly contribution to local homeless programs that will show up on their utility bill. The ¢hange for Change concept was developed by leaders of the Tallahassee Equality Action Ministry (TEAM) in response to local agencies' needs and was approved by the Tallahassee City Commission. TEAM is a local organization of congregations committed to community improvement. Sign up today by filling out this online form, or calling Your Own Utilities at 850-891-4YOU (4968).
Helping the homeless is as simple as telling the City how much you'd like to contribute each month and it will be automatically added to your bill. Projections suggest that the program may generate between $25,000 and $50,000 each year to address and help prevent homelessness.
How will the money be used?
Money generated through the program will go directly to the agencies that provide services and resources to the homeless population. These funds will be used to provide shelter programs, education, and training; assist with move-in expenses; provide financial assistance toward emergency housing payments; constitute matching dollars for permanent housing projects; and for other services supporting the homeless.
Potential recipients include The Shelter, American Red Cross, Emergency Care Help Organization (ECHO), Capital City Youth Services, Refuge House, Brehon Institute, Lutheran Social Services, Good News Outreach, Capital Area Community Action Agency, Catholic Charities, and A Life Recovery Center.
¢hange for Change funds will be distributed to the agencies through an existing program used by the City, County and United Way where citizen volunteers help direct funding to the areas of greatest need in Tallahassee.
How can I enroll in the program?
If you would like to participate in the program, simply fill out the following online form or call us at 850-891-4YOU (4968). You may contribute as little as 50 cents a month, or as much as you choose. Simply indicate the amount you wish to contribute, and it will be reflected on your monthly utility bill. You may sign up for the program at any time during the year.
What if I do NOT want to participate in the program?
While all City utility customers are eligible to participate in the program, only those who sign up will see the amount included with their bill. If you do not want to participate, simply do not sign up.
Can I change my mind later?
It's your decision. You can stop participating, increase your contribution, or decrease your contribution simply by calling City of Tallahassee Utilities at 891-4YOU (4968).
Who can I contact for more information about this program?
You can call TEAM at 850-224-2100 or call the City's Neighborhood and Community Services Department at 850-891-6500.