Stories Archives | Metropolitan Ministries We care for the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless in our community Tue, 17 Jun 2025 00:22:20 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.metromin.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cropped-Untitled-design-1-32x32.png Stories Archives | Metropolitan Ministries 32 32 Take the Empty Plate Challenge https://www.metromin.org/blog/emptyplate/ Mon, 16 Jun 2025 12:20:49 +0000 https://www.metromin.org/?p=10398 It has been eight years since Chef Cliff first challenged Tampa Bay to take the simple step of skipping a meal — just one meal — to help feed hungry children in our community. Today, the tough economy is making it even harder for families to put food on the table.

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]]> Federal Cuts Eliminate AmeriCorps Roles at Metropolitan Ministries, Disrupting Services for Tampa Bay’s Homeless Community https://www.metromin.org/blog/federal-cuts-eliminate-americorps/ Wed, 30 Apr 2025 16:17:38 +0000 https://www.metromin.org/?p=13342 Metropolitan Ministries has been notified by Volunteer Florida that its AmeriCorps National and Direct programs, including those supporting the award-winning Metro BrigAIDe initiative, have been eliminated due to federal budget cuts from the Corporation for National and Community Service. This decision impacts approximately 30 AmeriCorps members who serve vulnerable populations across Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas …

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]]> How You Rescued Sharla https://www.metromin.org/blog/how-you-rescued-sharla/ Tue, 01 Apr 2025 17:50:15 +0000 https://www.metromin.org/?p=13283 After two long years of homelessness, Sharla and her daughter secured stable housing. “We finally had a place to call home,” says Sharla. The single mother felt like a brighter future was within reach . . . . . . until a routine day turned into a catastrophe. Sharla was driving her daughter to a …

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]]> “I had a good Thanksgiving thanks to Metro” — Vanessa’s Story https://www.metromin.org/blog/i-had-a-good-thanksgiving-thanks-to-metro-vanessas-story/ Thu, 22 Aug 2024 16:27:11 +0000 https://www.metromin.org/?p=12489 Vanessa was anticipating a Thanksgiving without food on the table. But you showed up when she needed help and hope the most! Life turned upside down for Vanessa after her accident. She was hit on the road — totaling her car, killing her service dog, and leaving her with serious injuries and a long recovery …

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]]> HOPE LEADS THE WAY https://www.metromin.org/blog/hope-leads-the-way/ Fri, 19 Jul 2024 21:06:09 +0000 https://www.metromin.org/?p=12413 “I never would’ve guessed we’d go through what we went through,” says Janice. “But you gave us a place to go.” Janice and her husband had their eyes fixed on a bright future. The couple was growing their family and thriving in life, and there was never a struggle to make ends meet. “We thought …

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]]> Stamp Out Hunger benefiting Metropolitan Ministries https://www.metromin.org/blog/stampouthunger2024/ Mon, 06 May 2024 18:55:00 +0000 https://www.metromin.org/?p=12297 We are excited that Metropolitan Ministries is once again partnering with the NALC for their 32nd Annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. This year marks the seventh time that Metropolitan Ministries has partnered with NALC locally to receive the donations collected. For over 30 years the National Association of Letter Carries has held a national …

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]]> “This is my beginning” — Tamara’s Story https://www.metromin.org/blog/this-is-my-beginning-tamaras-story/ Mon, 15 Apr 2024 20:49:18 +0000 https://www.metromin.org/?p=12279 Single mom Tamara struggled to support her family — but you gave her hope Tamara found herself caught in the middle of a perfect storm — jobless, evicted, and pregnant. “I was bouncing from hotel to hotel, trying to work and provide for myself,” she says. But keeping a job, caring for her kids, and …

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]]> “You Believed in Me” — Sandra’s Story https://www.metromin.org/blog/you-believed-in-me-sandras-story/ Thu, 07 Mar 2024 20:41:26 +0000 https://www.metromin.org/?p=12233 Sandra didn’t know how she was going to provide for herself or her son. Thanks to you, she found a new path of hope! “The only thing I was thinking about was surviving.” Sandra’s words are ones we hear often from single mothers who walk through our doors. She came to us feeling stuck, inadequate, …

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]]> “Don’t give up” — Vernita’s Story https://www.metromin.org/blog/dont-give-up-vernitas-story/ Mon, 26 Feb 2024 19:28:55 +0000 https://www.metromin.org/?p=12207 Vernita’s family would’ve ended up on the streets if it weren’t for your support! Vernita didn’t want to believe it — her family’s rent jumped up by nearly $1,000. To make matters worse, Vernita’s partner became sick. For three weeks, he was unable to work. And with seven children plus a new baby to care …

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