A strong, supportive community begins with ensuring that every individual has access to the essentials—healthcare, housing, nutrition, mental well-being, and the services that provide dignity and stability. Our region is filled with organizations working tirelessly to meet these needs and uplift our neighbors during life’s most challenging moments. Because human well-being and community compassion are at the heart of a thriving region, Gulf Coast invests in programs that promote health, strengthen families, and ensure that support is within reach for everyone.
Health & Human Services
A critical measure of our region is how well we care for our own.
Our work in the area
Gulf Coast embraces a leadership model centered on collaboration and coordinated systems of care, addressing urgent needs while building sustainable solutions that promote health, stability, and well-being for individuals and families.
Mental Health Initiative
- We collaborate with nonprofits to improve and expand mental health services in our region.
Opioid Crisis Response
- By breaking the chain of repeat overdoses in our region, we can save lives, reunite families, and reduce the need for costly services.
Project HEAL
- Homeless services providers are becoming trauma informed by planning and executing strategies to address the root causes of homelessness.
Reducing Recidivism
- Formerly incarcerated individuals are ten times more likely to fall into homelessness. Through unique collaborations, we can find solutions.
Unaccompanied Homeless Youth
- Without the right help, today’s unaccompanied homeless youth will become the next generation of chronically homeless adults in our region.
Health & Human Services Stories
Discover the Impact
Learn how community efforts support a stronger region through health and human services.
Foundation News
Gulf Coast Donors Raise $233,000 in Two Days to Support All Faiths Food Bank
Gulf Coast launches a challenge match for the Area of Greatest Need Fund following an inspiring show of compassion and community spirit from donors in support of All Faiths Food Bank.
Stories
Introducing BRACE: a new community-wide behavioral health resource
Gulf Coast Community Foundation has partnered with Centerstone to launch the Behavioral Response and Community Engagement (BRACE) program to enhance local capabilities in our area's crisis response options.
Stories
Venice Gondolier: Programs aims to help homeless, sick, elderly
The following article appeared in the Venice Gondolier on June 29, 2025.
Stories
Sarasota Magazine: Empowering Youth Through Mental Health Support
The following article was written by Gulf Coast Community Foundation and appeared on Sarasota Magazine’s website on April 25, 2025.
Stories
Sarasota Magazine: Mental Health Through the Eyes of…
The following article was written by Gulf Coast Community Foundation and appeared on Sarasota Magazine’s website on February 25, 2025.
Investment in Health & Human Services
(Fiscal Year 2025)
$2.8
Million
Board-Directed Giving
Our Board of Directors' investment in health & human services.
$18.5
Million
Donor-Directed Giving
Gulf Coast donors' investment in health & human services.
Past Work
These community-wide initiatives are now led by trusted community partners.
Feeding Hungry Families
Between Sarasota and DeSoto counties, almost 60,000 people don’t know where their next meal will come from.
Financial Sustainability
United Way Suncoast is moving families out of poverty by improving their financial literacy and providing access to real financial assets.
Here4YOUth
Our community has come together to transform the mental health system for youth and young adults.
Homeless Children and Families
Our partnership with local social-service agencies and generous donors has transformed the safety net for kids and their families.