The mission of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is to ensure that no one in our community has to face a crisis alone. The organization responds to over 170,000 requests for help each year and is the community’s gateway to help, hope, and healing. It offers a range of evidence based programs designed to meet community needs that include the Gateway Contact Center, which answers calls to 211, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the Florida Veterans Support Line, and other lines; Corbett Trauma Center, which provides trauma counseling and specialized services for sexual assault survivors; and TransCare, which provides 911 emergency ambulance services, emergency behavioral health transportation and community paramedicine.
Feeling the Strain of the Pandemic
Sarah was overwhelmed and out of options. Her adult daughters had moved in with her after having lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was putting a huge financial strain on their household. After months of piecing together what money they had to cover bills, they received a shut-off notice for their power.
When Sarah called the Crisis Center seeking help, she mentioned she was a veteran and was immediately connected with Florida Veterans Support Line staff. She shared she was feeling depressed at the prospect of not being able to take care of her family. The only household income was her service-related disability from the VA, and it wasn’t enough to cover all expenses.
The Care Coordinator pulled together assistance from several resources available to veterans. Sarah was able to get the power bill paid in full. She also got assistance with two car payments to give her some peace of mind in the coming months as her daughters continued to look for employment. Sarah’s financial burden was lifted and she felt like she had a fresh start to handle whatever might come her way in the future.
For more information about the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, please visit the website at crisiscenter.com.
