To provide housing support to children and their families to prevent and end housing insecurity in South Sarasota County.

Our Mission

Our Vision

To provide comprehensive services to ensure children and their families achieve lasting self-sufficiency and every child has the opportunity to realize their full potential.

Awards & Recognition

2021 Nonprofit of the Year
North Port Chamber of Commerce

2020 Nonprofit of the Year
Venice Area Chamber of Commerce

2019 Rookie of the Year
North Port Chamber of Commerce

Our History

Over 1,000 children are identified as housing insecure in Sarasota County each year. 1 in every 18 students in Sarasota County has experienced housing insecurities. About 50% of those students are in South Sarasota County — Venice, Englewood, North Port, Nokomis, Osprey. Venice High School had the highest per capita population of students in a housing crisis in 2017. In 2018 and 2019, that has shifted to North Port High School.

The Problem

The Effects of Housing Insecurity on Children

The Effects of Housing Insecurity on Children

Children who experience housing insecurity engage in health risk behaviors at significantly higher rates than their housed peers due to exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), detrimental to their development.

Youth experiencing housing insecurities are:

  • 9 times more likely to repeat a grade

  • 4 times more likely to not graduate

  • 5 times more likely to be victims of sexual and physical dating violence

  • 6 times more likely to abuse drugs

  • 4 times more likely to misuse prescription pain medication

  • 7 times more likely to attempt suicide

The Gap in Housing Costs for Children and Families

There is a significant gap between renters’ wages and the cost of rental housing across the country. The estimated hourly wage needed for a 2 bedroom rental in Florida is $26.38/hour. The Florida minimum wage is $12.00/hour.

Many Families Do Not Qualify For the Help They Need

The national definition of housing insecurity includes sleeping the previous night in a place lacking water or electricity. A parent does everything in their power to prevent this from happening for their children, including paying for a hotel with their paycheck or staying with friends and relatives.

As a consequence, these families are not considered as housing insecure and do not qualify for federal and state funds and assistance.

Learn More

Our Families Our Future

Family Promise National provided this video about housing challenges families face. Through our work, we can help provide hope and solutions to children and families experiencing one of the most difficult times of their lives.

Brent Dykstra
Courtney Green
Dane DeSantis, Secretary
David Joyner
Jake Tate, President
Jess Fronckowiak
Kelly Olliver, Vice President
Maggie Pittala, Treasurer
Michael Bacon
Paul Cernansky
Rachel Frank
Travis Sparks
Will Betterton

2025 Board of Trustees

Pictured above, left to right: Courtney Green, Rachel Frank, Maggie Pittala, Jess Fronckowiak, David Joyner, Paul Cernansky, Dane DeSantis, Brent Dykstra, Will Betterton, Michael Bacon, Jake Tate, Kelly Olliver, and Travis Sparks

Advisory Council

Steven Boone, former Board President

Mark Beebe, former Board Member

Susan Hanks, former Board Treasurer

Bob Hite, former Board Member

Beth Piel, former Board President

Julie Pinkerton, former Board President

Matthew Britton, former Board Member