Media Release
Barnabas Center Nassau
Jeff McDowell
Communications & Mkt Manager
[email protected]
www.BarnabasNassau.org
September 25, 2017 10:00 a.m.
In the few weeks since hurricane Irma impacted the entire state of Florida before heading north, Barnabas has taken a leadership role in Nassau County by applying for, and receiving emergency grant funding from Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund. Among the contributors to this fund are the United Way of Northeast Florida, the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida, the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, the Jaguars Foundation and private contributors. This funding has enabled Barnabas to add additional services for our neighbors affected by the storm. Among them are additional food distribution events to residents of western Nassau County, assistance with FEMA applications, assistance with rent and utility payments, clothing and limited household goods.
One of the most challenging things to determine is what was needed most by those affected by the storm. At the recent food distribution event in Callahan on September 18, Crystal Goncalves, Barnabas’ Resource Coordinator, took time to gather information from residents in need of food to determine what their needs were. “Of those we spoke with, all lost power and food. A few were even still without power eight days after the storm. When residents were asked what help they needed to recover from Hurricane Irma, the overwhelming response was food – followed by debris removal and home repairs.” she explained. “As we move further out from the storm, clients are reporting the need for help with utilities and rent because they used their money to prepare for the hurricane and some to evacuate.
We are extremely fortunate as an organization to have the ability to assist our neighbors with financial assistance and food in the aftermath of this storm.“Barnabas will hold four food distribution events in coming weeks at the Callahan fairgrounds. The dates are Sept 25, Oct. 2, 16, and 23. These events are free and are conducted on a first come, first served basis. A Resource Coordinator will be available to make appointments for additional services. If you would like to make an appointment, please call (904) 261-0700.
Barnabas also has a satellite office located in Callahan at 45103 Green Ave. Office hours are Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 am to 1 pm. For more information on programs at Barnabas please visit www.BarnabasNassau.org.
Barnabas is Nassau County’s only comprehensive service center to help our neighbors in crisis so they can become healthy, productive citizens. Through our partnerships, we reach even more people and maximize resources. We address critical issues facing our community, such as hunger, affordable health care, and prevention of homelessness. Our mission is to provide assistance to individuals and families in crisis throughout Nassau County. Our vision is to be the primary nonprofit resource in Nassau Country, providing assistance to connect individuals and families to services that will help them overcome crisis and achieve self-sufficiency.