Program Type: Adult Services

Whole Child Manatee* is a community service designed to work with families who have children under 18 years of age. Using a computerized Whole Child Profile, families identify their individual needs and receive information about community services and programs that may be helpful.

Whole Child Advisors are available to assist families through the process and help eliminate barriers to services. Whole Child Manatee shares information within the provider community through routine distribution of up-to-date information and routine community meetings.

This program is available to families living in Manatee County.

*Step Up Suncoast is not the direct provider of Whole Child Manatee.

For more information, please visit www.wholechildmanatee.com.

The Weatherization Assistance program delivers energy efficiency services to low income households with the goal of reducing energy costs, improving energy efficiency in homes, and ensuring health and safety.

Based on pre-inspection and diagnostic testing, homes may be eligible for a variety of energy-saving measures:

Health and Safety Measures

• Smoke detectors
• Carbon monoxide detectors
• Kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans

Pre-approved Measures

• Water heater pipe insulation
• Water heater tank insulation
• Faucet aerators
• Lighting retrofits
• Low flow showerheads

Infiltration Reduction Measures

• Weather stripping
• Duct sealing
• Attic and floor insulation
• Repair or replace inefficient doors and thresholds
• Minor wall, floor, and ceiling repair

Solar Window Screens
Refrigerator Replacement
HVAC System Replacement

This program is for residents of Charlotte, Manatee, and Sarasota counties.

Program income guidelines effective July 1, 2021

Weatherization Fillable Form Weatherization FAQ

The Housing Counseling program provides one-on-one counseling for families in a variety of areas related to housing needs. The HUD-certified housing counselor offers guidance, referrals, information, and support to families at risk of becoming homeless.

• Mortgage Delinquency Counseling assists homeowners who are behind on their mortgage payments by offering guidance through the home loan modification process.
• The First-Time Home Buyer Class is an eight-hour training course which helps prepare potential home buyers with the skills necessary to successfully select, finance, and maintain their first home purchase. This class is a required credential to access county grant programs for down payment and closing cost assistance.
• Rental Housing Assistance provides emergency assistance to clients in danger of eviction. Clients must be able to document sustainability in paying rent after the crisis is alleviated.

This program is for residents of DeSoto, Hardee, Manatee and Sarasota counties.

First Time Home Buyer Classes      First Time Home Buyer Application Form

The Family Self-Sufficiency Program was created to empower, support, and guide families towards economic independence. Families receive help in assessing their needs, setting goals, mentoring and discovering employment pathways.

Families can be enrolled in the Family Self-Sufficiency Program for up to five years. During this time a major emphasis is placed on educational attainment while requiring part-time employment. The Family Self-Sufficiency Program is designed for goal-oriented individuals who are motivated and persistent in their pursuit of a better economic existence.

This program is available for individuals living in DeSoto, Hardee, and Manatee counties.

Interest Survey     Eligibility Criteria

***We are in need of volunteers for the upcoming tax season. 
Become a VITA Volunteer

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax preparation and filing services each year from January through April at various sites throughout Manatee County and All Year Round (by appointment) for any individual or household who made less than $73,000 in that tax year.

IRS trained and certified volunteers will be available to assist in preparing and electronic filing your tax return.

Starting January 23, 2023 the following VITA – Free Tax Assistance Sites will be open in Manatee County:

In some cases, we will prepare taxes virtually – Intake/Interview & Quality Review will take place on site, Tax Preparation will be done virtually.
Client will then return to the site within a week to collect a copy of their return and sign off on Form 8879 before it’s e-filed to IRS.

The following VITA Forms are required to be filled in by each client:
English
Form 13614-C (English)

Español 
Form 13614-C (Español)

The following documents are required to prepare your taxes:

• Social Security cards or ITINs for everyone on the return – NO exceptions
• Government Issued Photo Ids for Taxpayers
• All W-2s, 1099s and other income documents
• Self-Employed and Contract Labor (Out of scope: losses, wages paid out or inventory etc.)
• Proof of Expenses & Mileage, if self-employed
• Form 1095 – A, if you had health insurance through State Marketplace
• Direct Deposit Information – Bank Name, Account & Routing Number
• 2021 Tax Return, preferred

If Applicable:

• Form 1098 (mortgage interest, property taxes)
• Form 1098-T or 1098-E
• Name, address and tax ID or Social Security number of any child care provider

If you would like to prepare your own taxes for free go to the link below or e-mail us at taxes@stepupsuncoast.org to receive link to the free site: