CHAPS offers food and hygiene products to those living with HIV/AIDS, and their dependents. Clients are referred to by their local health department for Charlotte, DeSoto, and South Sarasota. Please call or visit website for more information.

FTRI provides specialized telephone equipment and ring signaling devices. The equipment is loaned to qualified, permanent Florida residents for as long as needed. These devices are loaned at no charge. Please call or visit the website for locations and more information.

Voice: 800.222.3448
TTY: 888.447.5620
VP: 850.270.2641

This group offers housing programs. These are for military families. There are four different programs. They are designed to help at every stage of their transition into civilian life. Please call or visit the website for more information.

Email: Florida@operationhomefront.org

Programs Available:

The lifeline assistance program provides free cell phone service to low-income customers. Those who qualify also receive a free phone. There is a limit of one account per household. Other terms may apply. Visit the website to learn more.

Nocatee Church of God provides a food program for those in need. They give food to people in emergency situations. Some pantries deliver food to people whose disabilities or illnesses make it difficult for them to leave home. Please call for more information.

This group offers refugee and resettlement services to those in need. They help refugees find resources to help them settle in their new home. The help can be from LSF or with another provider. A case manager will help you from start to finish. Please call 813.875.1408 or go to the website to learn more.

Services Include:

HUD provides a list of resources for people in Florida who are looking for help with paying rent. They also have a search for subsidized rental housing. Please call or visit the website to learn more.

TTY: 7-1-1

SPARCC offers help to people who have experienced domestic violence and sexual assault. Please call 941.365.1976 or visit their website to learn more.

Programs and Services:

Friendship Cafés provide nutritious, healthy food to people 60+. A suggested donation of $2 to $4 is asked to help cover the cost of the meals. While no one is denied a meal if unable to pay, the contribution helps to provide more meals for elders in the community. Contact for more information.

Friendship Café
23 North Polk Avenue
Arcadia, Florida 32466
863.494.5965
Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM to 12 PM
Lunch served: 11:30 AM

Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church
256 South Orange Avenue
Arcadia, Florida 34266
863.464.5965
Wednesday, 11 AM to 1 PM
Lunch served: None

Meals are delivered daily, Monday through Friday. Time is based on drivers’ schedules. Meals cost $5 per person or $7.50 for two meals delivered to the same address. Cost may be different for homebound individuals 60+ receiving case management services. They may be delivered daily meals without charge or for a nominal donation. Call for more information.