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When Virginia first reached out to Heart of Florida United Way, she was facing one of the most difficult chapters of her life. After experiencing domestic violence, she was forced to leave her home and relocate out of Florida in search of safety for herself and her family.
Before moving out of state, she called 211 and connected with United Way case manager Sandy. Sandy explained that the organization’s services are limited to residents in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties, but she made sure Virginia had the information needed to reconnect with Heart of Florida United Way upon her return.
Virginia reached back out to Sandy as soon as her abuser was arrested and in custody. Sandy guided her through a rental assistance application. Around the same time, Virginia got her job back at Publix.
Virginia managed to pay $1,365 toward her new security deposit. However, a last-minute change by apartment management revealed the original quote she received was for a two-bedroom unit instead of the three-bedroom apartment her family needed, leaving an unexpected $234 balance on the deposit.
Sandy worked directly with the landlord to verify the housing costs, including the $1,599 monthly rent. Recognizing the urgency, Sandy coordinated with her supervisor to increase the funding limit to help the family establish a safe, permanent home.
Heart of Florida United Way approved $2,377 in total assistance, covering the remaining deposit balance, prorated May rent, and June’s full rent. The landlord agreed to let Virginia’s family move in immediately while the payment from HFUW was processed.
Today, Virginia is focused on rebuilding her life and creating a safe, permanent home for her family.
At Heart of Florida United Way, Basic Needs means more than helping families pay a bill. It means ensuring neighbors have access to the essentials they need to stay safe, healthy, and stable — from emergency utility assistance and housing support to food and other critical resources.
Many of these neighbors belong to ALICE households (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) — working individuals and families who are doing everything right and still struggling to make ends meet. HFUW focuses on ALICE households because they are vital to our community’s strength and future.
In the 2024–2025 fiscal year, we provided basic needs assistance to 510,587 people, alleviating immediate crises and increasing long-term household stability.
When unexpected crises threaten a family’s well-being, HFUW is there to help them regain their footing and move forward with hope. By connecting ALICE families to critical resources and opportunities, we help turn hard work into real financial stability. Ultimately, supporting ALICE means building a more resilient, inclusive community for everyone.
Light the way for neighbors like Virginia.
Your support helps us stand with brave families in times of crisis.
Donate today to help build a strong foundation for resilience and dignity across Central Florida.
𝐼𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑜𝑟 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑑𝑠 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑘 𝑡𝑜, 𝑜𝑢𝑟 988 𝑆𝑢𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑑𝑒 & 𝐶𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑠 𝐿𝑖𝑓𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑣𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 24/7/365 𝑎𝑠 𝑎 𝐹𝑅𝐸𝐸 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑐𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑡ℎ 𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡.