Metropolitan Ministries exceeds $1.5 million in COVID-19 relief

Prevents more than 1,100 families from becoming homeless 

Metropolitan Ministries has reached a milestone of over $1 million paid directly to landlords and utility companies to prevent more than 1,100 families from becoming homeless since COVID-19 pandemic struck 16 weeks ago.

“I honestly don’t know how to process this number in my mind, but it humbles me, as I know the need is still so massive,” said James Dunbar, the Ministries’ director of outreach and prevention services.

An additional $550,000 in essential food purchases has helped distribute 19,000 emergency food boxes (each containing 36 meals) and over 300,000 grab and go meals throughout the region.

“None of this happens without the support of the community who continues to rally alongside us to help their neighbors,” said Tim Marks, president and CEO. “And we’re not done yet. We’re tracking to double this level of support as the need is not slowing down.”

The last line of Metropolitan Ministries’ vision statement proclaims, “Above all, our witness will be to the power of love in healing broken lives and building strong, caring communities.” It is in Christ’s love for all and our belief in the power of love, that we will serve our community.

As a local, independent nonprofit, we have provided services that alleviate suffering, promote dignity and instill self-sufficiency for poor and homeless families in Tampa Bay since 1972.