Helping Hands in the Community | November 2024

November 1, 2024

By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey

There’s definitely a lot of need right now. Below find a list of resources for those in need of help as well as organizations that could use some volunteers or financial donations.

If you know an organization that should be added to the list, drop us a line at mmiller@whatswhatnewportrichey.com.

Help After the Storms

For those needing help after the storm – to check out the special “Help After Hurricane Helene” and Recovery After Milton articles below for up-to-date information from local officials and others offering assistance. Helpful posts can also be found on the What’s What New Port Richey FB page at www.facebook.com/whatswhatnpr

Storm Recovery Milton | County Holds Town Hall on October 24 | How to Dispose of Storm-Related Yard Debris | Anclote Flooding – video + more info

Help After Hurricane Helene | Water & Meals | Pop Up Building Permit Sites | Help with FEMA Forms & Emergency Biz Loans

Pasco Hope | A mini community pops up for the displaced

Fundraisers | Special Events

Third Annual Kids First Paint the Night Blue Black Tie Event, 6:30 p.m. November 8 at the Kontos Community Center at St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church in New Port Richey | $150 and up

This annual fundraiser is to help support programs that treat the physically and sexually abused children and adolescents of Pasco County as well as supporting programs that prevent child abuse and provide safe and healthy environments for children to live in Pasco and Hernando Counties. For tickets visit pascokidsfirst.org.

Serenading the Moon Fundraiser for CARES, Saturday, November 9 at the senior center in Hudson | $30

This event features live music with Billy Keen, band leader & guitarist; Belinda Brodsky, keyboard; Steve Brodsky on drums and Steve Boisen on bass, all vocals.

The evening begins with doors opening at 5 p.m., socializing, B.Y.O.B. Dinner at 6 pm, with buffet of assorted dishes, salad, rolls & butter, plus dessert and coffee. Music/Dancing from 7 – 10 p.m. For tickets call (727) 457-8822. No tickets will be sold at the door.

Community Pet Food Drive at Runaways Animal Rescue in Port Richey

DOUBLE Your EBT Bucks Tasty Tuesday’s Market, 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Tuesdays at the New Port Richey Public Library in downtown New Port Richey

GENERAL HELP | WHERE TO START

United Way
Need Help? Call 2-11

Pasco County residents have a free, easy-to-use service at their fingertips to help them get connected to information about services in our community. Visit www.unitedwaypasco.org

2-1-1 provides a fast, easy way to learn about community resources and service providers, and volunteer and donation opportunities.
2-1-1 connects people with Free Medical Care, Senior Services, State Agencies, Utility Assistance, Transportation, Youth Programs, Child Care, Affordable Housing, Free Tax Return Preparation, Health Resources, Rx Assistance, Rental Assistance, Support Groups, Non-profit Groups, Human Trafficking Case Management
2-1-1 specialists are highly-trained, multi-lingual professionals who provide the information you need. All 2-1-1 contacts are strictly confidential. 2-1-1 is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Homeless Coalition of Pasco County

The Homeless Coalition of Pasco County has compiled a lengthy list of local organizations serving those in need throughout Pasco County. Visit www.pascohomelesscoalition.org

Metropolitan Ministries

Offers comprehensive services for at-risk and homeless families in under-served and impoverished communities.

Metropolitan Ministries, 3214 US HWY 19 N. in Holiday. The Family Support Center is open for food and clothing in Pasco Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Go to the website at metromin.org
Metropolitan Ministries at Restored Hope – 13703 17th Street, Dade City. 352.437.4815. Website.
Click here for more locations.

Be a Light Mission Service Center Inc.’s The Lighthouse

The Lighthouse is located at 8425 Arcola Avenue in Hudson off US 19 and Arcola (21 bus line). Open Monday through Friday from 10 am – 3 pm offering free food, clothing, and services for people in need. Offerings include free food and clothing pantry, medical assessments (through BayCare, VARK Inc), employment assistance, work programs, Resources for the homeless, Arts and crafts classes, and activities. For info, go to www.bealightmissions.org

More General Help

First Baptist Church of Hudson Agape,7009 Hudson Ave., Hudson. Food pantry, thrift store, showers. Visit fbchudson.org.
The ROPE Center – 14121 Water Tower Drive, Hudson.– 727.849.6426. theropecor.org.
Salvation Army WEST – 8040 Washington Street, Port Richey. 727.847.6321. salvationarmy.org.
Salvation Army EAST – 14445 7th Street, Dade City. 352.521.3126. salvationarmy.org.
Samaritan Project of Zephryhills – 5722 8th Street, Zephyrhills. 813.810.8670. samaritanproject.org.

FOOD RESOURCES

For more food resources (food pantries, hot meals) within your zip code go to freefood.org.

Feeding Tampa Bay

November 2024

Pasco | Gulfview Grace Church, from 8 to 10:30 a.m. November 1,8, 15, 22, 29 at Gulfview Grace Church, 6639 Hammock Road, Port Richey.

Pasco YMCA Trinity | from 12 to 2 p.m. Monday, November 4 and 18 at 8411 Photonics Dr. New Port Richey.
Pasco King of Kings | from 3-4:30 p.m. Thursday, November 14 at 10337 US-19, Port Richey

More Food Resources

West Pasco

First Baptist Church of Hudson Agape 5-2 Food Pantry, 7009 Hudson Ave., Hudson. Free Sunday meal. Open every Wednesday from 10 am – 12 noon for anyone in need. Bring ID for everyone you are receiving food for. Visit www.fbchudson.org
Hopeville Family Ministries. 6508 Main St., New Port Richey. Food distribution from 8 a.m. to 12 noon each Saturday. For information, service requests, or to volunteer, go to hfm2019.org or call (727) 992-5087.
Metropolitan Ministries, 3214 US HWY 19 N. in Holiday. The Family Support Center is open for food and clothing on various days. For information visit www.metromin.org
The Volunteer Way 8061 Congress St., New Port Richey. The Food Pantry is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 am – 12 noon. Brown Bag delivery is available. Visit thevolunteerway.org.
First United Methodist Church of New Port Richey: Food Ministries at 5901 Indiana Avenue, New Port Richey. For info, visit fumcnpr.com.
Gulfside Hub Grocery Boxes, Weekly grocery box distribution is held from 4-4:30 most Tuesdays at Gulfside Elementary School, 2329 Anclote Boulevard. If you have not registered on Feeding Tampa Bay yet, please click on this link feedingtampabay.link2feed.com. Pickup is at Gulfside Elementary School car loop, 2329 Anclote Blvd, Holiday, every Tuesday, from 4 to 4:30 pm. Call 727-774-6050 or text 727-351-2367.
Sword & Spoon VFW Hall, 4619 Bartlett Road, Holiday. Pantry 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
SVDP at Our Lady Queen of Peace, 5340 High St., New Port Richey. Pantry 12-2 p.m. on Thursday and from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Friday.
SVDP at St. Peter the Apostle, 12747 Interlaken Road, New Port Richey. Pantry 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Monday & Wednesday.
Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, 5443 Sunset Road, New Port Richey. Pantry, 9-11:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday & Friday.
SVDP at Thomas Aquinas Church, 8320 Old County Road 54, New Port Richey. Pantry – 9:30-11 a.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m. Monday and Thursdays.
Osceola Food Pantry, 11441 Osceola Drive, New Port Richey. Pantr – 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Thursdays.
Seventh Day Adventist Church Pantry, Trouble Creek Road, New Port Richey. Pantry – 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays.
King of Kings Lutheran Church, 10337 US 19, Port Richey. Pantry – 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays.
Volunteer Way, 8061 Congress St., Port Richey. Pantry – 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Monday-Friday.
The Volunteer Way Soup Kitchen, 10008 Moon Lake Road, New Port Richey, serves To-Go Meals from 10 a.m. – 12 noon, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
SVDP at St. James, 8400 Monarch Drive, Port Richey. Pantry- 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Monday, Thursday and Friday.

Central Pasco

Father and Son Love Free Food Pantry, 21418 Carson Dr., Land O’Lakes. Free groceries for anyone in need from the community. For hours of operation and more info, check out the website or Facebook page.

East Pasco

Metropolitan Ministries East Pasco: Food Pantry located at 13703 13th Street, Dade City.
NEW! UF/IFAS Cooperative Extension Pasco County Food Bank, One Stop Shop, 15029 14th Street, Dade City.

Meal/Food Delivery for Seniors & Shut-ins

Cindy’s Pets – Provides food and some supplies for pets of seniors on the Pasco County Meals and Wheels Program. For more info, click here.

Meals on Wheels Pasco – Provides nutritious meals and quality services for the homebound and elderly of our community while promoting independent living with safety and dignity. Likewise, advancing human services increases opportunities for personal and collective growth in our community. For information about the program or to sign up or volunteer, visit www.mealsonwheelspasco.org

Volunteer Way Brown Bag Program – The Brown Bag Program provides food monthly for seniors who are low-income, disabled, and homebound as well as their pets. The food is delivered by volunteers once a month. If you or someone you know is a homebound, disabled senior in need of food, call to apply at 727-815-0433 or visit thevolunteerway.org/brown-bag-for-seniors.

Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger – Connects to multiple services in the greater Tampa Bay area. For those needing help or wanting to find a place to volunteer, Click here to access the Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger Website.

Waste No Food Tampa Bay was created in partnership with Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger. The Waste No Food app was created to help divert food surplus from the waste stream by redistributing excess usable food to nonprofits and/or food scraps to those with the ability to compost. To learn more about the free app and how you can become a Waste No Food donor or recipient visit https://networktoendhunger.org/wnf/

MENTAL HEALTH

Call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Text or call 988 to reach trained counselors who can provide help in coping with a mental health emergency and offer direction for resources for mental health and substance use treatment. Visit 988lifeline.org

NAMI of Pasco County – NAMI Pasco, an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that provides free support, advocacy, outreach, and education to those with mental health conditions and their loved ones. Go to the NAMI website at namipasco.org.

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HEALTH SERVICES

Florida Department of Health, Pasco. Multiple Locations. Services include services in family health (including vaccines, early breast and cervical cancer, early detection, dental, family planning, etc), infectious diseases, environmental health, community health promotion, emergency preparedness, etc). For more information or to access a site near you go to pasco.floridahealth.gov.

Healthy Start Coalition of Pasco offers various services for moms and babies. For more info, go to healthystartcoalitionpasco.org.

Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers, 6205 Viola Lane, New Port Richey. Multiple Locations. Visit oasispregnancycenter.org

Florida Health Department Coordinated Opioid Recovery Program – CORe is the first of its kind in the United States and places Florida as a leader in sustainable addiction and opioid recovery. Visit pasco.floridahealth.gov/CoordinatedOpioidRecovery

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The Pasco State Attorney Mobile Medical Clinic is a medical office on wheels. The full-time staff includes a director, nurse practitioner, and driver. The clinic often has community volunteers, doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals to assist. The Clinic travels to more than a dozen locations throughout Pasco County serving the homeless and residents without insurance. Services include:

Employment physicals, with some exceptions
School and Sports physicals
Laboratory services, limited
Pregnancy testing
Hepatitis B vaccines see schedule (PDF)
HIV/HEP C testing, see schedule (PDF)
Some prescription assistance. No drugs are kept on board the unit.
Treatment for a brief illness.
Strep throat and flu are examples.
Treatment for long-term illnesses. High blood pressure and diabetes are examples.

Limited referrals are offered and can include:

Dental services
Mental Health and Substance abuse
Primary and Specialty care

For information, visit www.flsa6.gov/mobile-medical-clinic

Advent Health Mobile Mammography Bus. This Mobile Mammography Bus uses a Hologic 3D mammogram system, so you can get your annual screening mammogram close to where you live or work. AdventHealth Mobile Mammography bills most major insurance directly as a preventive, or well-woman, visit that is typically covered at 100% if you meet the age and time frame eligibility. For the uninsured, a self-pay option is available for the 3D mammogram. Women 40 and older do not need a prescription or referral. Women ages 35-39 are required to have a prescription from their doctor. To Register, visit AdventHealthMobileMammography.com

Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation manages Florida’s new Children’s Hearing Aid Program that provides assistance in obtaining hearing aids and other hearing technologies for children 0 to 18 residing in Florida who do not have private insurance or have insurance that does not cover hearing technologies. Families must be under 400% of the federal poverty guidelines and the child must have their hearing device fit by an audiologist licensed in Florida that has an active agreement with Sertoma. You can get a complete list of providers by calling Sertoma at 727-312-3881. Applications are now open for this program and available online. To see if you qualify for the program and to get complete information, visit www.familyhearinghelp.org/CHAP or call 727-312-3881.

Crooked Taile to Recovery – Provides assessment and coordinates with community resources for medical and mental health needs, employment issues, benefit status, and options for social services, housing, and support. Also provides Peer Support Counseling and creates an environment of respect, trust, community, and accountability. Located at 7730A Little Rd, New Port Richey FL 34654 and call (727) 877-6800.

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ADVERTISING INFO

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HOUSING | UTILITY RESOURCES

Mid Florida Community Services, Inc

Located at 5705 Gulf Drive in New Port Richey. Clients receive assistance from select Mid Florida Community Services, Inc. (MFCS), programs such as Community Services programs, and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program at both MFCS locations in Pasco County. Individuals seeking assistance may schedule appointments online and via phone. Click here for the online scheduling tool. Appointments can be scheduled via phone by calling 352-251-2313. For more info, call-(Dade City) (352) 567-0533 | (New Port Richey:) (727) 857-5495.

Pasco County Community Development Programs

Links to Housing, Home Buying, Down Payment Assistance, Owner Occupied Rehab and Tax Payment Programs.

Owner Occupied Rehab Program

Pasco County Community Development administers a program that provides repairs to an owner-occupied home. The programs are available county-wide. Single-family homes, villas, condominiums, and townhomes are eligible. Mobile homes are only eligible if the land is owned, and the home was built after 1994. The home must be Homesteaded, and the Home value cannot exceed $275,000 which can be found on PascoPA.com.

A Best Kept Secret – County Home Rehab Program Helps Keep People in Their Homes

VETERANS ASSISTANCE

Benefits assistance, community sources, food, showers, and other services are available from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Tuesdays at the One Community Now Veterans Support Center, 4620 Professional Loop, New Port Richey.

LIBRARY RESOURCES

It’s not just about the books at local libraries. The New Port Richey Public Library and branches of Pasco County Libraries offer several valuable resources.

Among them, are Medicare presentations, ESOL classes, Career Help, and information sessions on volunteer opportunities with Guardian Ad Litem and a local hospice for those who want to volunteer. Ease your mind and body with meditation, yoga, or Tai Chi class, or learn about healthy nutrition. For more info on programs and beach locations visit the What’s What NPR calendar below.

Friends of the Library.

Friends of the Pasco County Library System, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization of people who share a belief that a strong public library is essential for a thriving community. There are eight branch-specific Friends groups that operate independently, but also collaborate to contribute to the overall success and financial stability of the Friends of the Pasco County Library System, Inc. (countywide Friends organization). These groups work together to enrich the resources of the Pasco County libraries for the benefit of all Pasco citizens through fundraising, volunteering, and advocacy efforts.

Library Volunteers

Library branches accept Adult Volunteers, who are aged 18+ and pass a background check after application; and Teen Volunteers who are aged 13-18. Opportunities vary by branch. For more info, click/tap here.

Teen Advisory Board

Teen volunteers help with a variety of tasks based on branch needs. This can include: the opportunity to participate in the Teen Advisory Board and have a say in teen programs and services, keep shelves clean and tidy, assist with craft preparation, and help with setup and breakdown for programs. For more info click/tap here.

Helping Hands in the Community | November 2024