CARES > Community Programs

Community Programs

Leon County Cares also provides local human service agency assistance and funds community programs that address food insecurity, childcare, mental health, homelessness and more.

Public Health and Testing

Leon County CARES has dedicated funding to support enhanced testing capacity through mobile testing sites at apartment complexes and public housing communities. CARES funding also supports increased contact tracing and provides resources to supply ample PPE to first responders and other essential workers.

Emergency Mental Health Services

Leon County has dedicated funding to support the increase in volume of callers seeking emergency mental health services through 2-1-1 Big Bend. This funding will enhance capacity of 2-1-1 Big Bend in referring callers experiencing mental health crisis to mental health resources available in the community. (Contact information) Call the 24-hour support hotline at 2-1-1 or (850) 617-6333. More information is available here.

Food Insecurity

Leon County has dedicated funding to support the Second Harvest of the Big Bend in administering and supporting the purchase and distribution of 3 million meals in the community in coordination and partnership with various local organizations. More information on these efforts can be found here.

Childcare Assistance

Leon County has dedicated funding to support the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend in providing childcare assistance to Leon County families working in essential industries. More information on eligibility and how to apply for assistance can be found here.

Homelessness Support

Leon County has dedicated funding to support local homeless shelter providers in preventing the spread or outbreak of COVID-19 in sheltering facilities.

Workforce Support

TCC Workforce Development wants to ensure that local residents whose employment has been impacted by COVID-19 and are interested in being retrained in an Essential career can get the help they need quickly. More information about the CARES scholarships and quick training that can be completed in 18 weeks or less is available here.