The Story of
DeSoto Cares Homeless Services

DeSoto County is home to approximately 35,000 people, with a poverty rate of 30% and an uninsured rate of 30%. The county's only city, Arcadia, has a population of about 6,600, and DeSoto County Schools identify close to 400 homeless students each year.

St. Edmund Episcopal Church of Arcadia initiated community meetings to address homelessness in the Arcadia community. Through those meetings, other churches and volunteers joined with them to form DeSoto Cares Homeless Services, a faith-based organization. With the initial funding from the Episcopal Charities of the Diocese of Southwest Florida Episcopal Church the Service Center was able to open. 

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 DeSoto Cares connected with the Arcadia Housing Authority Foundation, and became a 501c3 organization in 2016.

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Our organization relies on the generosity of individuals, churches, and community organizations for financial support. Our core group of volunteers provides the services and keeps the operations functioning. We collaborate with regional and state homeless services providers and advocates to maximize our impact and address the systemic causes of homelessness.

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Thank you for your interest in DeSoto Cares Homeless Services. With your support, we can continue to provide comprehensive services and programs to help individuals in need achieve stability and regain control of their lives.