Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte & Desoto County Communities Triggers $100,000 Season of Sharing Contribution From The Patterson Foundation

The Patterson Foundation has contributed $100,000 to Season of Sharing in recognition of the first $500,000 raised by the community for the region’s annual campaign to help people on the verge of homelessness. Each time the community raises $500,000 between now and Jan. 31, 2019, The Patterson Foundation will make additional $100,000 contributions to catalyze further giving. There is no cap on the number of $100,000 contributions the community can activate during the campaign.

Expenses related to rent, utility payments, child care, transportation, food vouchers and other critical needs can jeopardize a person’s ability to retain their home. Season of Sharing, which was created by the Herald-Tribune Media Group and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, has helped more than 20,000 individuals and families in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties remain safely in their homes by providing funds to cover these emergency expenses. Since 2000, more than $19 million has been raised for those in need through Season of Sharing.

“For every dollar spent to help someone stay in their home, it saves $8 trying to get them back into a home — making Season of Sharing an effective way to create better long-term outcomes for individuals and families in need,” said Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation. “Each of The Patterson Foundation’s $100,000 Season of Sharing contributions adds to the impact made by donors in our community to prevent homelessness.”

Prior to the start of the current campaign in early November, The Patterson Foundation had contributed $3.9 million to Season of Sharing since 2010. The Patterson Foundation’s support affirms Season of Sharing’s effectiveness in helping individuals and families achieve long-term housing stability, with only 15 percent of recipients requiring additional assistance the following year. Donations of time, resources and expertise from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, media partners and more than 60 organizations ensure that every dollar raised through Season of Sharing is distributed directly to people on the verge of homelessness.

Visit www.CFSarasota.org to donate and learn more about Season of Sharing.

Photo from Patterson Facebook Page