Funding will prevent evictions across region, saving hundreds of families
Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice (CCDOV) has been awarded a $250,000 grant from the TD Charitable Foundation through its 2026 Housing for Everyone (HFE) program. The grant will support efforts to prevent eviction and homelessness across Southwest Florida, and is expected to assist 189 moderate to low income families, representing more than 500 individuals, including approximately 225 children across Lee, Collier, Sarasota, and Manatee counties.
“Housing is a critical need, and an important part of what we do at Catholic Charities, said Christopher M. Root, Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Charities. “Thanks to the generous support of the TD Charitable Foundation, we can step in before a housing crisis becomes homelessness and help families to avoid the devastating impact of eviction. Further, this investment allows us to not only help families stay in their homes today, but to walk alongside them with the tools, support, and resources needed to remain stable long-term. We are deeply grateful to TD Bank for recognizing the importance of early intervention and for partnering with us to strengthen families and communities across the region.”
Approximately 76 percent of the grant ($189,160.) will provide emergency rental assistance, to prevent eviction filings before they occur. The remaining 24 percent ($60,840.) will fund a dedicated case manager delivering intensive case management, landlord negotiation, and service navigation in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
“Long-term housing stability is essential to financial security and overall wellbeing, which is why we are proud to support the important work of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice through the Housing for Everyone grant program,” said Paige Carlson-Heim, Head of Social Impact at TD and Director of TD Charitable Foundation. “By delivering early, service-based solutions that help renters avoid eviction, this organization is reducing disruption, strengthening resilience, and creating a foundation for individuals and families to thrive.”
Catholic Charities’ eviction prevention program is built on an early intervention model, working with families and landlords before legal action begins. Emergency rental assistance is paired with intensive case management to address the root causes of housing instability.
Catholic Charities will further maximize the impact of this investment by contributing $278,360 in in-kind support, including a case manager, wraparound services, and program operations—ensuring that donated dollars are directed toward meaningful, direct client impact. Wraparound services will include behavioral health support, financial literacy and life skills training, and employment assistance and income stabilization. This comprehensive approach is designed to deliver both immediate relief and long-term stability.
Each year, Catholic Charities provides approximately $1.9 million in financial assistance across these counties, helping families remain safely housed during times of hardship.
“We thank TD Bank for this generous support, which enables us to expand early intervention efforts that keep families connected to their communities, schools, jobs, and vital support systems,” said Root.
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., is a nonprofit founded in 1984 by the Diocese of Venice in Florida and serves as a resource to the community, offering health and human services, food pantries, counseling, legal assistance, rapid re-housing, education, and disaster response. Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice is located in 10 counties in southwest Florida, including Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Lee, Manatee, and Sarasota. The mission of Catholic Charities is to provide help, create hope, and serve all. Catholic Charities is a Four-Star Charity Navigator agency, recognized for its fiscal responsibility, ensuring the majority of funds collected are funneled directly back into local community programs. For more information, visit catholiccharitiesdov.org.
