United Way Suncoast Launches “Bridging the Gap Initiative,” Investing $350,000 in Local Nonprofits During Unprecedented Federal Shutdown
With the federal government shutdown stretching for more than a month creating mounting hardship for families, United Way Suncoast announced the launch of its Bridging the Gap Initiative, which will distribute $350,000 to 24 nonprofit community partners across its five-county region. The investment is designed to help organizations respond to the growing number of individuals and families experiencing financial strain, delayed benefits and prolonged uncertainty.
The Bridging the Gap Initiative will support partners that are seeing increased demand for services as workers and households continue to feel the widespread effects of the shutdown. Organizations may use the funds at their discretion to meet the needs presenting in real time — whether providing food to families encountering SNAP delays, assisting with rent or utility payments for those with interrupted income, or increasing operational capacity to keep pace with rising demand.
“We called upon our 101 years of expertise, the strength of our existing partnerships and our understanding of community dynamics to move quickly and responsibly,” United Way Suncoast CEO Jessica Muroff said. “Our goal is to help stabilize households and ensure our partners have the resources to respond compassionately and effectively.”
United Way Suncoast serves Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota and DeSoto counties. As the shutdown continues, the organization will keep working with community partners to assess needs and adjust support where necessary. For households seeking assistance, United Way Suncoast has also created a Government Shutdown Resources page on its website that is continually updated with information on local programs and services including food, financial and childcare assistance, 211 helpline, utilities and public services.
However, Muroff noted that philanthropy alone cannot fully bridge the gaps created by the ongoing shutdown.
“Everything we do is done in partnership, and responding to a crisis of this scale requires a full community effort,” said Muroff. “We need continued collaboration from the business community and local, state and national leaders to address ongoing instability tied to food insecurity, healthcare costs and childcare expenses. We invite everyone in the region to help — whether by donating to trusted nonprofit organizations or volunteering their time.”
United Way Suncoast will share additional updates in the coming weeks as the shutdown and its local impacts continue to unfold.
About United Way Suncoast
United Way Suncoast mobilizes communities to action for all. We give families and community members across our five-county footprint the “Freedom To Rise.” Founded in 1924, we enter our second century of service with a decided focus on uniting the region to generate support for hard-working families that stand one unexpected expense away from dire circumstance. We elevate early learning, energize middle school and high school youths and empower community members through financial security. We proudly serve Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota and DeSoto counties by investing in services and programs that help people create the lives they imagine for themselves. We enhance the community by addressing emerging needs such as natural disasters, and we expand the capacity of our nonprofits to help our impact ripple through the region. Along the way, we lead, convene and collaborate with corporate supporters, individual donors, nonprofit partners and valued volunteers because we know – United We Rise, United We Win.