FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

If you’ve lost your job or income because of COVID-19 and need help paying your rent or utilities, the Pinellas CARES fund may be able to help. Individuals can apply for one-time assistance by contacting 2-1-1 Tampa Bay Cares: Text COVIDCARES to 898211. Applicants will be asked to send proof of Pinellas residency, job loss and other information to qualify. This fund aims to help those in the greatest need, so income restrictions apply.   

(2-1-1 is also the resource information center that can provide information about almost any area of need.)

The following are resources for Pinellas County residents who need emotional support.

Suncoast Center

https://www.suncoastcenter.org/

Telehealth counseling appointments now available.  For assistance, contact 727-388-1220

Directions for Living 

https://directionsforliving.org/

Telehealth counseling appointments now available.  For assistance, contact 727-524-4464

COVID-19 Emotional Support Line (Directions for Living)

If you are having a hard time coping or adapting during this pandemic, call the emotional support line to talk to someone today. 

Monday-Sunday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

(727) 524-4464; Dial Extension 1001

Pinellas County Crisis Response Team

Help for children and young adults up to age 25 who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis in Pinellas County, Florida (24/7). 727-362-4424.

Additional resources for support:

Sandy Hook "See Something, Say Something 

reporting system if they have concerns of Pinellas County Schools student safety after hours. www.saysomething.net.  888-572-9669  Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure & anonymous safety concerns to help identify and intervene upon at-risk individuals BEFORE they hurt themselves or others.

211 Tampa Bay Cares 

2-1-1 Tampa Bay Cares, Inc. provides a free, confidential, multi-lingual, 24-hour dialing code: 2-1-1 for access to community information, services and resources for the residents of Pinellas.

NAMI Help Line 

Offers free information, referrals and support to people living with mental health conditions, family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public providing. NAMI Help Lines can be contacted by phone or email and are operated by NAMI Volunteers. With every call and email, Help Lines strive to help others move closer to recovery or meet the needs of a loved one providing care and support.  The NAMI Pinellas County Help Line can be reached by calling 727-791-3434, the Peer Support Help Line can be reached at 727-600-5838, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., ET or email us at helpline@nami-pinellas-fl.org

Crisis Text Line 

Text NAMI to 741-741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor to receive free, 24/7 crisis support via text message.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 

If you or someone you know is in crisis—whether they are considering suicide or not—please call the toll-free Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) to speak with a trained crisis counselor 24/7.