A mother and her two children unpack boxes in their new apartment

Family application

Apply to build on the rock

Firm Foundation gives committed families and individuals in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties a stable home, food, a computer and internet, a mentor and a 16-week financial program, for 12 to 18 months while they work toward standing on their own.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”Jeremiah 29:11

Before you apply

Who the program is for

Every application is read by the Firm Foundation membership group. Applicants who are considered will meet these requirements.

  • Able to readRead and complete weekly lessons and worksheets.
  • Able to workNo physical or mental impairment that would prevent meaningful employment, and willing to find work.
  • Open to faithReceptive to learning the teachings of Christ, with weekly Sunday worship and Bible study.
  • A driver in the householdAt least one household member has or is able to get a driver’s license.
  • Ready to learnComplete the 16-week financial program, and vocational training if needed.
  • Willing to shareIndividual applicants share a home with up to 3 other people.

Criminal record check. Every adult in the household must complete a criminal record check before being accepted into the program.

1. ApplyAbout 20 minutes. Have your household’s names, ages and income ready.

2. ReviewThe membership group reads every application.

3. InterviewApplicants who are considered meet the team and complete a criminal record check.

4. Move inSelected households move in and begin the program.

Part 1

About you

The adult who will be the main contact for the household.

Are you 18 or older?
Part 2

Your household

Tell us who would live in the home with you.

Are you applying as an individual or as a family?
Individuals share a home with other program members. Are you willing to share accommodations with up to 3 other people?

Household members (everyone who would live with you)

Part 3

Your housing and income

This helps us understand where you are today. There are no wrong answers.

Where does your household's income come from?
Does anyone in your household have a bank or credit union account?
Part 4

Program requirements

Firm Foundation is built for people ready to work, learn and grow. Please answer honestly.

Can you read and understand written lessons and worksheets?
Are you physically and mentally able to hold meaningful employment?Applicants cannot have a physical or mental impairment that would prevent them from gaining meaningful employment.
Does anyone in your household have a valid driver's license?
Is someone in your household able to get a driver's license?
Part 5

Work and training

Meaningful work is the path to standing on your own.

Are you working now?
What kind of work or training interests you?
Would you complete vocational training if it helped you get a better job?
What makes it hard to work right now?
Part 6

Faith

Firm Foundation is a ministry of Countryside Christian Church. Faith is at the heart of the program.

Are you open to learning about the teachings of Christ?
Will you attend Sunday worship and Bible study each week?
Part 7

Your commitment

This program is not a handout. It is a way of life that, with God's grace, leads to financial stability.

I will attend the 16-week financial program and at least 14 of the 16 classes.
I will keep a written budget and work toward a $1,000 emergency fund and saving 10% of my income.
I will meet with a mentor regularly and share my progress.
I will look for and keep meaningful employment, and complete training if needed.
As my income grows, I will pay a growing share of my rent and utilities, with the goal of paying all of it within 12 to 18 months.
Part 8

In your own words

Help the membership group get to know you.

Part 9

References

Two people who know you well and are not family members, such as an employer, pastor, caseworker or Helping Hands volunteer.

Reference 1

Reference 2

Part 10

Sign and send

Please read and sign.

Need help filling this out? Call Luigi Novembre at 727-370-2288, or ask a Helping Hands volunteer.

Firm Foundation

A proposed program of Helping Hands, Countryside Cares, Inc., Clearwater, Florida.

Photos are AI-generated illustrations, not program participants. The information you share is used only to review your application.

countryside.cc/helping-hands