Why did Hope Florida gave $5M to Chamber, not churches?

First Lady Casey DeSantis explained her motivation to create Hope Florida.

“It was fueled by the fact that I hate to see people suffer. There are people in our society and in our state who are suffering,” she said. “And if there is something that we can do to ease their suffering, then we have an obligation to stand up and fight for them.”

BUT

How did giving $5 million for an awareness campaign for the Florida Chamber’s Securing Florida’s Future end suffering?

Wouldn’t that have been much more impactful if the millions of dollars were given to churches, faith-based organizations and other nonprofits who directly help “people in our society and in our state who are suffering”?

The Chamber can pay for its own awareness campaign, but these front-line organizations could have used $5 million. According to Nonprofit Explore, Securing Florida’s Future raised over $14.3 million from 2020 to 2023.

HOPE FLORIDA DOLLARS IN COMMUNITIES

The First Lady gave us these wonderful examples yesterday at her husband’s press conference at Pensacola State College.

Vision of Hope

Vision of Hope in Pace recently expanded its services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, thanks to generous support from Hope Florida.

The organization is introducing “Equipping Minds,” a new cognitive enhancement program designed to improve memory, processing speed, and work performance. According to program leaders, this will be Florida’s first in-person implementation of this specialized training.

Additionally, Vision of Hope has enhanced its transition center with new kitchen and woodworking facilities, broadening vocational opportunities for participants. These improvements have already shown remarkable results, with one participant gaining woodworking skills and newfound confidence, while another secured paid employment at a local bakery after kitchen training.

“The gift from Hope Florida has helped each participant become more confident and eager to become valued community members,” said a Vision of Hope representative.

St. Andrew Christian Care Center

St. Andrew Christian Care Center of Panama City, North Florida’s largest food bank, has provided meals to over 66,000 clients in 2024, with approximately one-third supported by a $20,000 Hope Florida grant awarded last May.

The volunteer-run 501(c)(3) organization purchased food at just 7 cents per pound through their partnership with Feeding the Gulf Coast, allowing them to serve 21,558 people with the grant funds alone. The Center assists clients facing health issues, disabilities, homelessness, single parenthood, and those transitioning from incarceration. Beyond providing food, counselors connect clients with Hope Florida navigators who develop personalized assistance plans.

“Hope Florida brings hope and a better path for their future,” notes a Center representative, highlighting the importance of their all-volunteer operation that maintains zero payroll costs while meeting critical community needs.

Governor DeSantis and his wife showed us how much people benefit from Hope Florida – through Hope Navigators, not a Chamber awareness campaign:

Hope Florida Beneficiary

After experiencing a devastating personal loss, MaryLu found herself overwhelmed by mounting bills and working a low-wage job that couldn’t sustain her family’s needs. Through Hope Florida, she received crucial assistance with education, basic necessities, transportation, and employment resources.

“Hope Florida provided hope at a time I needed it most,” said MaryLu. “I don’t know where I’d be without them.”

With resume assistance and personalized support from her Hope navigator Ashley, MaryLu secured a management position at Terry School Service within two weeks of leaving her previous job. Now financially independent, she no longer requires welfare assistance.

“I went from the bottom to the top,” MaryLu reflects. “While I still face challenges, I now have the budgeting skills and resources to manage them effectively. You have to be willing to put in the work—and it worked.”

BACKGROUND

9/28/24: Medicaid contractor Centene signed a settlement deal with the Agency for Health Care Administration (ACHA), which included giving Hope Florida $10 million.

10/13/24: Secure Florida’s Future, run by the Florida Chamber of Commerce, submitted a grant asking for $5 million. The other $5 million went to Save Our Society from Drugs.

Inweekly received a copy of the $5 million grant request made by Secure Florida’s Future, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit. Secure Florida’s Future chairman Mark Wilson said the funds were to be used for “embarking on a long-term, targeted business partner recruitment strategy and public awareness program.” Instead, $3.75 million went to Keep Florida Clean, a political action committee controlled by James Uthmeier, DeSantis’ then-chief of staff and now Florida Attorney General. Keep Florida Clean campaigned against Amendment 3, which would have legalized recreational marijuana.

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Daily Outtakes: Why did Hope Florida give $5 million to Chamber, not churches

BUT

How did giving $5 million for an awareness campaign for the Florida Chamber’s Securing Florida’s Future end suffering?

HOPE FLORIDA DOLLARS IN COMMUNITIES

Vision of Hope

St. Andrew Christian Care Center

Hope Florida Beneficiary

BACKGROUND

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