Foundation to provide help to hospitality workers

VENICE — Gulf Coast Community Foundation has partnered with Houston-based Southern Smoke Foundation to provide relief to local food and beverage workers affected by Hurricane Helene, a news release says.

The partnership will operate under GCCF’s Rapid Response Fund. Individuals may receive up to $1,000 and families may receive up to $1,200.

Applicants for assistance must currently be employed within the food and beverage industry working at least 30 hours per week for a minimum of six months.

Funds can be used for housing, transportation, lost wages, medical expenses, repairs or reconnection to basic service, the release stated.

“We know that the local food and beverage industry was significantly impacted by Hurricane Helene and supporting our community in times of need is why we exist,” GCCF President and CEO Phillip Lanham stated in the release.

Find an application and requirements for funding at the Southern Smoke website, SouthernSmoke.org.

All applicants are assigned a case manager for support.

To contribute to Gulf Coast’s Rapid Response Fund, visit: GulfCoastCF.org/rapidresponsefund.