Tuesdays at the office

The Sheltering Tree office hours are Tuesdays from 10:00 A.M- 2:00 PM at 205 N. Pine Street.  

The office opened in September 2016 by Carla Traister and Sue Bickings in an effort to provide emergency help to our Flagler County Residents to reach out to struggling families and individuals. 

Sometimes we offer a caring conversation, a warm smile, a hug, and a private prayer. Other days we are challenged to help with security deposits, utilities bills, rent shortages and all sorts of issues both financial and emotional.  We keep a small supply of emergency food, toiletries, and clothing to help the less fortunate in Flagler County  guests.

Our monthly budget is small, and the needs are great.   We partner with Flagler County Human Services, where those in need are screened to see where other agencies may be of assistance. The staff at Human Services works with our agency and many other local charities so that we can all come together to assist our local residents. Our efforts may prevent a person or family from becoming homeless or having to do without food, clothing and so much more, the needs list just goes on and on.

Just this week we were able to assist a young couple by paying a portion of their rent.  They are both employed and live in a small apartment where the utilities are included in the rent.  They had a medical bill which caused them to be short on their rent.  We were able to coordinate with them and another agency to help them on their feet and keep them in their apartment.   We also worked with Human Services to help a family of 8 by paying a portion of the security deposit so they could get out of a hotel and into an affordable home.  Sometimes the cost of up-front security, first and last month’s rent and utilities deposits prevent families from getting into a home.  Living in a hotel or in a car is very common in our area and we hope to assist these families to better their lives.

This is just a little snapshot of what goes on each Tuesday that the office is opened.  We are always looking for donations of food, clothing, and money so that we can help more and more.