This Ministry of our Board of Deacons provides emergency assistance to individuals in need in the Venice and Nokomis zip codes. Each month we provide 2,000 to 2,500 people, as well as the homeless, who are hungry with food – free of charge. Some of them are working, many are not. Some of them have homes, many do not. Most have to choose between food, utilities, housing, gasoline or medical care. Through food donations from the community, our church members and various “food partners” from whom we purchase food at a discount, we do what we can to make their choice a little easier. Food: Every 30 days or weekly if homeless. Bus Pass: Every 30 days. Must return old pass. Must pay $4.00 every time. Gasoline: $12.00 voucher every 2 months. Must have less than 1/4 tank remaining, a valid driver’s license, and the vehicle must be registered. TYPICAL SERVICES Food Mobile fruit and vegetable truck Clothing Monthly SCAT Bus Passes Gas Vouchers Hair cuts State Issued ID Flu shots (in season) Backpacks Reader glasses Supplies for the Homeless; i.e. flashlights, batteries, can openers, and bug spray Emergency housing for families with school aged children ADDITIONAL SERVICES Cancer Support Group Grandparents Group (for grandparents raising children) Trained Stephen Ministers Referrals to other “help” agencies