a helping hand for a better tomorrow
Hands Across the Bay is a small, privately funded organization committed to providing meaningful, hands-on support to individuals and families facing crisis by no fault of their own. To ensure our limited resources are used responsibly and effectively, assistance is provided by referral only through approved agencies.
As of February 2026, Hands Across the Bay accepts referrals from:
- Tampa Bay Law Enforcement Agencies
- The State Attorney’s Office for Pinellas, Pasco, or Hillsborough Counties
- Victim Advocates
Who Is Eligible?
Individuals or families who have experienced a crisis through no fault of their own, including but not limited to:
- Domestic violence
- Human trafficking
- Sexual assault
- Sudden death of a spouse or child
- Other catastrophic incidents (reviewed on a case-by-case basis)
We may also consider referrals involving:
- Working single mothers or single fathers
- Children with chronic or serious medical needs
- Young adults who have aged out of foster care
- Abused, neglected, or abandoned children
- Underprivileged teenagers
Our Approach
Every day, families are impacted by unexpected and life-altering circumstances. During these moments, individuals may feel overwhelmed, uncertain, and unsure where to turn.
Hands Across the Bay steps in to help stabilize families during crisis, providing support intended to help them regain independence. While financial assistance may be part of that support, we believe true stability goes beyond money. That is why we focus on guidance, accountability, and one-on-one mentorship.
Each dollar we spend is viewed as an investment in a family actively working toward self-sufficiency.
What “Crisis Through No Fault of Their Own” Means
When evaluating referrals, we consider whether:
- Reasonable efforts have been made to gain or maintain employment when possible
- Required legal filings (such as child support) have been completed when applicable
- There is no history of substance abuse that impacts stability
- There is no criminal history
- Financial records do not show patterns of unnecessary or repeated spending that caused ongoing hardship
- There is no extended history of relying on charitable organizations for recurring expenses without progress toward independence
Examples of Assistance (if approved)
Assistance is short term and needs based and may include but is not limited to:
- Grocery gift cards
- Gas gift cards
- Household Items including kitchen supplies, furniture, hygiene items, bedding, cleaning supplies
- Clothing items
- School Supplies
- Children & Baby needs
- Utility payments
- Holiday Assistance
- Other essential items to help a family stabilize and move toward self sufficiency
Our Goal
Our goal is to help families in the Tampa Bay area reach a point of stability and independence where ongoing assistance is no longer needed. We recognize that every situation is unique, and all referrals are reviewed carefully and compassionately.
Hands Across the Bay is proud to accept referrals from Law Enforcement Agencies, The State Attorneys Office and Victim Advocates for individuals who are seeking assistance.
