Emergency financial assistance is our preemptive step to stop the crisis before families and individuals become homeless in Sarasota County.
Based on available funding, here are ways we can help:
- Rent/mortgage assistance
- Utilities assistance
- Emergency clothing
- Angel Tree Christmas gifts for children
- Camp Keystone for children
- Summer Camp scholarships
- Work tools and work uniforms
Sarasota
M-Fri, 8:30am - 4:00pm
(941) 364-5557
1701 S. Tuttle Avenue
Sarasota, FL 34239
Venice
M-Fri, 8:30am - 4:00pm
(941) 484-6227
1051 Albee Farm Road
Venice, FL 34293
North Port
M-Fri, 8:30am - 4:00pm
(941) 240-5108
14600 S. Tamiami Trail
North Port, FL 34287
(Temporarily Unavailable due to Hurricane Ian)
Financial Eligibility: Most services require the person or family applying to be low income. (This means gross income is at or below 150% of Federal Poverty Level during the last 30 day period.) Most families who have experienced a financial crisis will qualify for some assistance.
Program sponsors include the State of Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, FEMA-EFSP, United Way of South Sarasota County, Season of Sharing and the generous Salvation Army donors.
Pathway of Hope
The Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope initiative shifts from treating the symptoms of poverty to breaking the cycle of inter-generational poverty and preventing the epidemic in future generations. Through Pathway of Hope, we are helping families overcome barriers like unemployment, unstable housing and lack of education. Working together with parents, we help them get training, further their education, obtain employment, budget their money and secure stable housing. Once those barriers have been overcome, we can break the cycle of crisis and vulnerability and lead families instead down a path toward increased stability and ultimately, self-sufficiency.
Pathway of Hope uses a “two generation” solution because children that are raised in poverty affected families perpetuate the cycle of poverty. That is why The Salvation Army partners with parents who are dedicated to improving their current life situation as well as increasing future prospects for their children. Throughout the program, Pathway of Hope families have a strong support network that helps them recreate the infrastructure of their lives.
The Salvation Army Family Resident Services enables homeless families with children to achieve self-sufficiency and housing permanency. The Family Resident Services (FRS) provides 12 furnished apartments for low cost housing; it is located on the Sarasota Center of Hope campus at 1400 Tenth Street. Families are required to pay no more than 30% of their income for the apartment; water, electric and laundry are offered free of charge.
It is a safe place to rebuild their lives by providing housing services, financial counseling and planning, family case management, continuing life skills education and a strong system of support services. Participants have the opportunity to pay off evictions, legal fees and other debts while increasing life and budgeting skills, education, employability and family income.
Families build community through Sustainability Groups and Pathway of Hope night at the Sarasota Center for Worship and Service, located at 1701 S. Tuttle Avenue. Families eat dinner together with other families. Children play together while parents share the joys and struggles of the day. After dinner, Pre-K children are connected with Children First workers who actively educate children through play and social interaction. Their older siblings are connected through character building programming where they earn badges for skill and accomplishments.
Pathway of Hope addresses family relations while working to create a family network of support. This includes acknowledging negative behaviors, showing commitment to change, and learning to communicate effectively. Through the skills and changes made during this program….participants are no longer planning day to day and living on the edge. They can now plan for continued success and a brighter future for their family.
Any family interested in accessing services may call the Sarasota Center of Hope (941) 954-4673, extension 3115 to complete an application.
Program sponsors include Sarasota County Government, the State of Florida, Department of Economic Opportunity, United Way Suncoast and the generous Salvation Army donors.
The Salvation Army’s Life Recovery programs provides individualized, life-saving services to adult women and men in Sarasota County who are homeless, addicted to drugs or alcohol, or are incarcerated. Provided at no cost to the individual, these programs not only help improve the lives of the clients who gain sobriety and stability, it betters their family relationship as well as the entire community. It helps create stable citizens who contribute to the overall quality of life in Sarasota County.
Life Recovery is comprised of three unique programs:
- Community Recovery Program (CRP) – Center of Hope
- Voluntary Interim Placement – Enhanced Recovery (VIP-ER) Program – Center of Hope
- Addiction Recovery Program (“Jail Pods”) - Sarasota County Jail
If you have a heart for those struggling with addictions and would like to volunteer in one of these programs, call the Sarasota Center of Hope (941) 954-4673, extension 1306 for an application or additional information.
CRP
Life Recovery – CRP
Established in 2007, CRP – the Community Recovery Program, is The Salvation Army’s response to the high demand for recovery services in our community. CRP helps those suffering from addiction who otherwise cannot afford services to recover from substance abuse disorders. This program is provided at no cost to the client. Approximately 75% of the participants are homeless. CRP is a three to four month non-clinical, abstinence-based, therapeutic community hosted at the Center of Hope shelter.
CRP is built on the 12-step model and a faith-based curriculum. It is run entirely by The Salvation Army, volunteers and member of the recovery community. Volunteers are a driving energy behind the program; many are in recovery themselves and bring with them experiential wisdom on how to achieve and sustain recovery.
Reunification with family and successful integration in society are possible when clients arm themselves with effective tools. As funds are available, transitional housing opportunities are provided to participants when they complete the program. We find that approximately 71% of participants who exit the program and transition to sober living environments – 12 months later they have not returned to homelessness.
Anyone seeking recovery may call the Sarasota Center of Hope (941)954-4673, extension 1307.
Program sponsors are the generous Salvation Army donors.
VIP-ER
VIP-ER is an intensive ten-week residential substance abuse treatment program with 12-month follow-up. It is a collaborative effort with 6 local community service providers, each contributing in their area of expertise. The core services include:
- The Salvation Army - intake, room, board and milieu services
- First Step of Sarasota – comprehensive substance abuse treatment curriculum
- Jewish Family and Children’s Services – wraparound case management and family reunification services
- Department of Health in Sarasota County – primary health and psychiatric medications
- Suncoast Technical College – workforce readiness and general education diploma (GED)
- Community Haven for Adults and Children with Disabilities – employment development and placement services
VIP-ER has served 2,082 participants since 2006. There has been a 76% completion rate from 2006 to the present. Participants must be at least 18 years of age and Sarasota County resident. While the participant needs not be indigent or homeless to gain admission, the program is designed and funded as an alternative for those who cannot access treatment in any other setting primarily due to a lack of resources.
Anyone seeking recovery may call the Sarasota Center of Hope, (941)953-4673, extension 1307.
Program sponsors include Sarasota County Government and The Salvation Army donors.
Jail Recovery Pods
Over 10 years ago, local advocacy organization SURE, Sarasota United for Responsibility and Equity, introduced the concept of Jail Recovery Pods to The Salvation Army and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. The concept was for inmates to have access to addiction recovery programs while incarcerated. The Sarasota County Jail launched the program in 2009 with one men’s unit or “pod” which soon thereafter expanded to include a women’s “pod.”
Since its inception, hundreds of inmates have participated every year. Over 200 certificates of completion are earned annually. This represents the completion of modules based on developing the life skills needed to address personal issues related to addiction. Upon release, participants often continue the rehabilitation process with the contacts they have established in the recovery community.
The Jail Recovery Pods have marshalled hundreds of volunteers over the years and is run at no cost to taxpayers. Because of its innovative approach and success, the Recovery Pods are featured regularly in local and national media.
Quality of Life
Reflecting the quality of community in the lives of others increases the quality of life for all.
The Quality of Life by Choice model, or “QLife” represents a pivotal point in 2014 when The Salvation Army shifted the focus of our services away from reactive emergency services and towards proactive housing-focused services. We adopted a Housing First approach which means we believe that housing is the cure to homelessness. Today, “QLife” continues to represent our commitment to housing-focused services.
As the only 24-hour emergency shelter for adults 18 and older in Sarasota County, our QLife Shelter is the hub of homeless services. We take part in the Oneby1 coordinated entry system – a process for ensuring all people experiencing a housing crisis have fair and equal access to housing opportunities and services based on strengths and needs. We serve as an Access Point where someone experiencing homelessness can be quickly identified and assessed for services.
QLife Emergency Shelter
Q Life Rapid Re-housing
Rapid Rehousing is a housing solution that seeks to move people who are homeless in to housing as quickly as possible.
Rapid Rehousing is primarily comprised of three services:
- Housing location and landlord relations
- Financial assistance and/or rental assistance including utility deposits
- Supportive services and case management
Rapid Rehousing opportunities are coordinated through the Oneby1 Coordinated Entry System. A person who is homeless is placed on a community list for housing resources as resources become available. These services are provided at no cost to the participant.
Made possible through funding from U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Continuum of Care Program Grant and generous Salvation Army donors.
Homeless Outreach Teams (HOT)
The City of Sarasota and Sarasota County have partnered with The Salvation Army for this initiative. It is a tool used by law enforcement officers to reach homeless persons and offer services. HOT was designed to reach long-term homeless persons who are in need of services and who are potentially seeking housing.
We provide The Salvation Army’s emergency shelter resources while extending the law enforcement efforts of outreach, diversion and connection to services. This program serves over 500 homeless adults each year. Referrals for this program are made directly through law enforcement officers and their staff. These services are provided at no cost to the participant.
Program sponsors include Sarasota County Government, City of Sarasota, State of Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and The Salvation Army donors.
Street Teams
Street Teams is a partnership with the City of Sarasota and The Salvation Army. Since 2012, Street Teams provides opportunities for homeless men and women to obtain stable housing and employment. Designed for able bodied adults, Street Team participants volunteer Monday through Friday with the City of Sarasota for four hours each morning; they seek employment and housing in the afternoon. The Salvation Army provides accommodations and three meals per day, supervision and employment assistance. These services are provided at no cost to the participant.
Street Teams help keep downtown Sarasota beautiful by keeping the streets free of litter. Annually, Street Teams removes an estimated 64 tons of trash off the streets of Sarasota.
Each year, 70-75% of participants gain employment and successfully move to stable housing. Anyone seeking information about joining in Street Teams may call (941)954-4673, extension 1405 or 1503 or walk-in to our Sarasota Center of Hope, located at 1400 Tenth Street.
Program sponsors include City of Sarasota Economic Development Grant and the generous Salvation Army donors.
Daily Feeding Program
The heart of The Salvation Army’s outreach in Sarasota County is the Corps Community Centers.
From each center, a wide range of activities take place. Each of these activities has been successful in building relationships and self-esteem, encouraging the youth, adults and seniors and promoting a better sense of community. Activities may include:
- Youth programs offered for children ages through teenager
- Community fellowship groups
- Senior programs
- Summer camping programs
- Group worship meetings
- After school program
Your monetary donations are used to serve the residents of Sarasota, Osprey, Nokomis, Laurel, Venice, Englewood and North Port.
Thank you for your support. Please send your check to one of the following addresses:
The Salvation Army
PO Box 2792
Sarasota, FL 34230
The Salvation Army
PO Box 69
Venice, FL 34284
You may also call 1-800-Sal-Army.
Remember, there are many different ways to give.
Some people’s legacies are written on monuments…yours can be written on lives of others.
Ways to give:
- Cash
- Real Estate
- Gifts from an IRA
- Stocks and other Appreciated Assets
- In-Kind Gifts
- Planned Gifts
- Bequests by Will
- Gift Annuity
- Charitable Remainder Trust
- Pooled Income Fund
- Life Insurance
- Hometown Endowment
The Salvation Army has trained giving advisors who will help you with your goals and plans while helping to sustain our life changing mission. Our professional advisors will work with your attorney or accountant to explain the many gift opportunities available to you and the financial advantages of each
For more information,
please call Glenda Leonard, Director of Development, Sarasota County at (941) 552-5177.
The Salvation Army is a volunteer-fueled organization with opportunities for individuals, families, and groups large and small. Gifts of time and talents go a long way toward improving the lives of those we serve. That is why volunteers are the backbone of philanthropic support for The Salvation Army.
Below are a few opportunities that may interest you:
- Emergency financial services office assistance
- Food services*, life skills and general maintenance
- After-school and youth activities
- Disaster Services
- Beautification projects
- Warehouse services
- Mentoring to individuals and families
- Angel Tree Warehouse
- Bell Ringing
For group or individual volunteer opportunities, please contact Stephanie Sielaty by calling 941-552-5175 or email stephanie.sielaty@uss.salvationarmy.org
(* To volunteer in the Daily Feeding Program at the Center of Hope, we ask that you allocate a minimum of two hours of time. You need to be over 16 years of age; 12-15 year old youth must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For safety reasons, long pants and closed shoes should be worn; sorry, no shorts tank tops or sandals.)
When you donate goods to The Salvation Army, they are sold through our Family Stores. In Sarasota County, the proceeds from those purchases are used to fund our services within the communities that we serve. Every donation and every purchase can make a life-changing difference.
Venice Family Store
1160 Highway 41 Bypass,
Venice, Florida 34285
(941) 488-9300
Open Monday - Saturday, 9:00am-5:00pm
Donation drop-off available Wednesday - Saturday, 9:00am-1:00pm
Items in Good Condition that We Accept
- Clothing
- Linens
- Furniture – sofas, recliners, chairs, coffee tables, dining room tables, desks, bed frames, dressers
- Bicycles
- Home Goods – pots, pans, dishes, silverware, kitchen utensils
- Small Appliances – coffee maker, blender, mixer, etc.
- Electronics*
- Books, CDs & DVDs
(*We cannot accept computers, printers or building materials.)
Furniture and home goods pickups are available by calling (941) 488-9300, Press 2.
Home Delivery is not available.
Sarasota Family Store
2280 17th Street,
Sarasota, FL 34234
(941) 952-0349
Temporarily closed due to damage from Hurricane Ian
Open Monday – Saturday, 9:00am – 6:00pm
You may bring donations directly to the Thrift Store or call (941) 951-1744 or visit www.satruck.org to schedule a pick-up
The following items are always in our need for the families and individuals we serve:
- Diapers (all sizes)
- Personal Hygiene products
- Non-perishable food items
- School Supplies
- Gently used sheets, towels and blankets
- Angel Tree Gifts
The items can be dropped off at the Center of Hope and the Venice Corps location during their regular business hours.
Thank you for your donations.
2022 Glitz at the Ritz-Carlton:
The Schoenbaum Humanitarian Award Luncheon
On March 24th, 2022 The Schoenbaum Humanitarian Awards Luncheon known as the Glitz at The Ritz-Carlton was held. This year's recipients were chosen for their philanthropic response to COVID-19 efforts.
The awards were presented to the generous donors represented by The Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, Community Foundation of Sarasota County, and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.
The event proceeds will benefit our Pathway of Hope program and Eddie Morton served as this year's event chair.
For information and sponsorship details for 2023 event please call 941-552-5177.

Pictured left to right. Lt. Colonel Michele Matthews, Roxie Jerde (Community Foundation of Sarasota County), Mark Pritchett (Gulf Coast Community Foundation) and Teri Hansen (The Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation).
Past Award Recipients
2021 Glitz on the Fritz
2020 Sheriff Tom Knight
2019 Brock and Julie Leach
2018 Carolyn Michel and Howard Millman
2017 Gerri Aaron
2016 Keith and Linda Monda
2015 Elton and Gordie White
2014 Joyce Tate and Alice Rau
2013 Al and Barbara Siemer
2012 Warren and Margot Coville
2011 Diane and Bob Roskamp
2010 Dr. Larry & Pat Thompson
2009 Tana & John Sandefur
2008 Maj. General Raymond and Margaret Mason
2007 Sandy and Jerry Loevner
2006 Elaine Keating
2005 Dennis & Graci McGillicuddy
2004 Lee Wetheringon
2003 Dr. Robert Windom
2002 Wilma Hamilton
Recent past events:
2022 Schoenbaum Humanitarian Award Luncheon honoring the donors of the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, Community Foundation of Sarasota County and Gulf Coast Community Foundation.
The 2020 Schoenbaum Humanitarian Award Luncheon Honoring Sheriff Tom Knight
The 10th Annual Jail Pod Recovery Celebration Breakfast -Saturday, October 5, 2019
The Glitz at the Ritz-Carlton: The Schoenbaum Humanitarian Award Luncheon - Thursday, March 21, 2019 honoring Brock and Julie Leach
Lt. Colonels Ward & Michele Matthews
Area Commanders
Prior to their arrival in Sarasota County, Lt. Colonels Ward and Michele Matthews served as National Community Relations and Development Secretary and National Director for White House Relations, respectively,. Lt. Col. Ward Matthews also served as The Salvation Army's national spokesperson.
Prior to their national headquarters appointment in 2018, Lt. Col. Ward Matthews was legal secretary, and Lt. Col. Michele Matthews was the Pathway of Hope director, both for The Salvation Army USA Southern Territory in Atlanta. Before those appointments, they served in leadership roles with the Dallas-Fort Worth Area Metroplex Command, Caribbean Territory, and Charlotte Area Command.
Their experience includes responsibility for more than 450 corporate partnerships during their time as Area Commanders in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area, including the Dallas Cowboys, which has raised more than $2.2 billion for The Salvation Army. They were also founding officers of The Salvation Army’s Echelon organization, now with 19 chapters across the country, which provides a forum for young professionals to engage in their respective communities.
Both Lt. Cols. have extensive experience working alongside first responders with The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS). At age 9, Ward volunteered on a Salvation Army mobile kitchen with his father in the aftermath of Hurricane Camille. Since that experience, Lt. Cols. Ward and Michele have served survivors and first responders of catastrophic events like Hurricane Ike, Hurricane Floyd, the Oklahoma City bombing, and the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks. Michele also served as the Caribbean Territory EDS director and as the EDS logistics coordinator for the Carolinas.
Lt. Col. Ward Matthews graduated Phi Beta Kappa with degrees in history and religion from Emory University before being commissioned as a Salvation Army officer in 1984. Lt. Col. Michele Matthews earned dual degrees in psychology and social services from Asbury College and a degree in nursing from Johns Hopkins University. Lt. Col. Michele Matthews was commissioned as a Salvation Army officer in 1999.
2022 Advisory Board
Warren Bacon
Marilyn Bezner
David Cornish
Dr. Katherine Galica
Kathryn Greenberg
Rich Hutter
Rabbi Jonathan Katz
Barry Kemerer
Kevin McQuaid
Eddie Morton
Dr. Dick Rehmeyer
Wendy Rose
Neil Scott
Brian Simmons
Dan Smith
Paul Sutton
Colin vanAntwerp
Brad Wilson
Ernie Withers
Dale Woodling
Life Members
David Farley
Robert Kimbrough
John Strickland
Emeritus Members
Joseph Hudgins
Dr. Edgar Frush

Venice Corps Officers Lts. Dushawn and Crystal Dupree

Sarasota Corps Officers Majors Mike and Nettie Morton
Sunday:
- Prayer Meeting/Bible Study 9:45 a.m.
- Fellowship and Refreshments 10:15 a.m.
- Worship Service 10:45 a.m.
- Children's church held during worship service.
For a complete schedule of weekly activities, please call (941)364-8846.
After-School & Summer Camp:
Check back for more information.
Club 316:
Check back for more information.
Social Service:
Individuals and families may be able to find relief to overcome emergency and crisis through programs that provide a safety net to help carry them through. We offer our food pantry, clothing, and financial assistance by way of funding towards rental, electric, and utility payments, to those who qualify, along with various services for the homeless, and pastoral care.
Sunday (Church Worship)
Sunday School: 10 AM
Worship Service: 11 AM
Monday
Indoor Pickleball 9:30am-12:30pm
Narcotics Anon. 7 PM
Tuesday
Women’s Meeting: 10 AM
Wednesday
Indoor Pickleball 9:30am-12:30pm
Thursday
Bible Study 5:00pm
Pickleball Lessons 11:30am -1:30pm
Friday
Indoor Pickleball 9:30am-12:30pm
*Schedule is subject to change*
Sarasota County Area Command Administration Office
1400 10th Street
Sarasota, Florida 34236
Phone
(941) 954-4673 or 953-(HOPE)
Center for Worship & Service
Emergency Financial Assistance Office
1701 South Tuttle Avenue,
Sarasota, FL 34239
Phone
(941) 364-8846
Center of Hope Shelter Complex
1400 Tenth Street
Sarasota, Florida 34236
Phone
(941) 953-1046
CENTER FOR WORSHIP & SERVICE -VENICE CORPS
1051 Albee Farm Road
Venice, Florida, 34285
Phone
(941) 484-6227
SOCIAL SERVICES – VENICE
1051 Albee Farm Road
Venice, Florida, 34285
Phone
(941) 484-6227
SOCIAL SERVICES – NORTH PORT
14600 S. Tamiami Trail
North Port, Florida 34287
(Unavailable due to Hurricane Ian)
Phone
(941) 240-5108
Family Thrift Stores
Sarasota
2280 17th Street
Sarasota, Florida 34236
Hours: Monday through Saturday
10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Phone
(941) 952-0349
Venice
1160 US Highway 41 Bypass
Venice, FL 34293
Hours: Wednesday - Saturday
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Phone
(941) 488-9300
Thank you for contacting us. We will be responding to your request in the near future.
SPEAKER’S BUREAU
Notice to all local civic clubs, fraternal organizations and churches:
Are you looking for an interesting speaker or venue?
You and your members are invited to be our guest for an upcoming breakfast or luncheon meeting at the Center of Hope. Your meal and a speaker are provided to you at no cost in the center Media Room. You will be provided a delicious buffet breakfast or lunch (including dessert) along with a passionate speaker from our Speaker’s Bureau. If time permits, participants may also take a tour of the center to see first-hand the work that is being done here in Sarasota. (Maximum capacity 100)
Need a speaker at your regular meeting site? Just complete the form below and we will provide a speaker at no cost for your preferred date.
Speakers include: Dr. Kitty Devine, Mr. Ron Rayevich, Mr. Neil Scott, and Mr. Dale Woodling
For information and reservations, please contact Glenda Leonard at (941) 364-8845, ext 1112 or email glenda.leonard@uss.salvationarmy.org.