History of Cape Coral Caring Center
Prior to 1990, the various churches in Cape Coral addressed the needs of those in their congregations who sought help. As the population grew and in fact, exploded, it severely impacted the ability of the churches to continue on this path of service. It was recognized that a central clearing location was needed to be in place to which those in need could be referred. The Cape Coral Ministerial Association generated the Cape Coral Caring Center to fill that void and thus the Caring Center became a vital entity in the community.
The churches provided volunteers, cash and food stuffs to structure the Center and in concert with the Cape Coral Kiwanis Club, who supplemented the cash needs of the agency were able to help 500 individuals that first year.
Today, 23 years later and at the end of our fiscal year, the Caring Center recorded over 12,000 individuals equating to 4,000 families helped in our fiscal year 2012. As the population in Cape Coral grows, so too, do those families in need grow in direct proportion. We distributed 82 Tons of food to those in need.
The mission of the Cape Coral Caring Center is to help sustain a suitable standard of living for all citizens of Cape Coral. To accomplish this mission there are three areas of assistance which are addressed:
- A food pantry from which bags of food are distributed for preparation in the home. (No reason for anyone to know hunger in Paradise)
- Utility assistance for electric bills when threatened with shut-off of service from non-payment.
This service is available to residents of Cape Coral on a limited basis. The Center is an emergency agency for the short term. In spite of its origin, there is no religion espoused at the agency and all in need are served.
We currently enjoy continued support from churches, clubs, organizations and individuals along with grants from HUD through the City government and FEMA funds filtered through United Way.
We are blessed with a cadre of loving volunteers who man the agency and without whom it could not continue its role of service to those in need.
We are Cape Coral People, Taking Care of Cape Coral People.
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