A ministry of Helping Hands · Countryside Cares, Inc.

A home, a table and a faith to build on

Firm Foundation helps struggling families in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties move from emergency help to a stable home, a living faith and the skills to stand on their own two feet.

Sponsor a family How it works

“A wise man, which built his house upon a rock.”Matthew 7:24

10families in 2027

$1M2027 fundraising goal

16week financial program

2counties: Pinellas and Hillsborough

The need

One setback can cost a working family its home

Rents across Tampa Bay have far outpaced the public safety net. When a job is lost or an illness strikes, families have almost nowhere to turn.

$2,100Typical monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Pinellas and Hillsborough

$303Florida’s maximum monthly cash assistance for a family of three, unchanged since 1992

Sources: Rentometer county averages, 2026; NCCP Florida TANF profile 2025/26.

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

What each family receives

Stability first, so families can focus on growth

Helping Hands already feeds thousands of neighbors. Firm Foundation takes the next step for families ready to commit: a safe home and everything needed to rebuild.

HousingSubsidized or fully paid rent
UtilitiesElectric, water and basics covered
FoodDonated groceries for the household
Computer and internetFor job searches and coursework
Training and jobsVocational training when needed
MentorshipA mentor and pastoral care

Families smile together in the pews at a Sunday church service

What each family commits to

A partnership in faith and responsibility

Support is offered to families who are open to exploring and strengthening their faith and to building lasting habits.

Faith

Weekly Sunday worship and Bible study

Learn

Complete the 16-week financial program

Work

Pursue a job or vocational training

Grow

Meet regularly with a mentor

The family journey

From crisis to independence in 12 to 18 months

Referral
Intake
Through the Helping Hands food ministry, partner churches and agencies
Stabilize
Months 1–3
Move in, begin worship, Bible study and the financial program
Build
Months 4–12
Finish classes, train, find work and grow an emergency fund
Stand
Months 12–18
Take over rent and utilities, keep saving and graduate

A father and his teenage daughter work on a monthly budget at the kitchen table

The 16-week financial program

A budget, a $1,000 emergency fund and a 10% savings habit

Each weekly class pairs a scripture on stewardship with a practical lesson, a worksheet and one homework step, plus a check-in with the family’s mentor.

Weeks 1–4Foundation

Stewardship, tracking spending, a zero-based budget

Weeks 5–8Protect

Emergency fund, debt payoff, banking and credit

Weeks 9–12Grow

Income, saving 10% first, smart shopping

Weeks 13–16Stand

Housing on your own, goals, generosity

A family laughs together over dinner in their apartment

“The rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.”Matthew 7:25

Our 2027 goal

10 families, and $1 million raised

$1,000,000fundraising goal for 2027

$48,200sponsors one family for a full year

Where the $1 million goes

2027 program for 10 families$482,000 Reserve to sustain and grow in 2028$518,000

Luigi Novembre leads fundraising, secures housing and completes the financial modeling for the 2027 goal.

Mary Novembre leads fundraising and family support.

Salvatore Novembre provides volunteer and technology support.

Get involved

Help build on the rock

Sponsor a family

Fund one family’s home, food and training for a year, about $48,200, or join with others to share it.

Mentor

Walk alongside a family each week, in faith and in their financial plan.

Offer housing or jobs

Landlords, developers and employers can provide units, leases and work.

Inquire about donating

Or call Luigi Novembre: 727-370-2288