As our daily lives are being forced to change and residents are losing jobs or having work hours decreased, families in need of continual support can find resources still in operation throughout the county.

The Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS) is looking to assist families struggling to afford basic needs by raising funds through a Digital Diaper Drive in April and May.

Donations will directly support Brevard County families by providing diapers, formula and nutritious food for more than 100 families in the community.

“We’re trying to do the absolute best we can for our families,” said Phebe Powell-Wehlen, CHS regional executive director for Brevard County. “We want to empower our families so that they can be successful.”

CHS aims to build bridges of success for the children it serves, whether it’s through the organization’s Behavioral Health and Counseling programs or its Early Head Start program.

Officials noted that a 2019 United Way Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) Report stated that 27% of Space Coast families were already struggling to afford basic needs before the spread of the COVID-19.

“Local parents are now facing an increased demand for support with overwhelming stress, paper-thin budgets, hours cut from work and limited childcare options,” a press release stated.

Mrs. Powell-Wehlen said she spoke with the director of CHS’ Early Head Start program to discuss a growing concern for childcare services, which is something CHS usually offers 64 Brevard families.

“With the schools closed, those families have lost their childcare,” Mrs. Powell-Wehlen said. “If they’re lucky enough to still have their jobs, they’re having to make those critical decisions about childcare.

She continued, “For a majority of our families, what we’re seeing is a reduction in work hours or completely being laid off. They have those financial insecurities and that’s impacting their abilities to provide some of the basic needs for their children, like diapers and formula.”

Officials have been encouraging families to take advantage of the free meal packets being offered by Brevard Public Schools, however, these meals are insufficient for infants and toddlers.

CHS is working with the office of Head Start to perhaps offer a to-go meal package for those young children but also having to navigate the challenges of the Stay at Home Order by Governor Ron DeSantis.

On the other hand, CHS is continuing to offer its services, such as counseling and strategies, by phone, as well as provide additional resources for parent’s homeschooling their children online.

“For the help that we need, we see a need for that support growing day by day,” Mrs. Powell-Wehlen said. “Last week, for infants, we had 12 families who had that need, and this week we have 15 families. We expect those numbers to continue to grow as we go on.”

Those interested in donating to the Digital Diaper Drive are asked to make a note on the donation page.

For more information, visit www.chsfl.org or call (321) 752-3170.