HandsOn South Alabama receives $100K grant

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - HandsOn South Alabama has received a $100,000 grant from The Community Foundation of South Alabama to address the unmet needs of individuals, families, and children significantly affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and its aftermath.

The grant was made possible by a contribution received from the Fund for Gulf Communities, a program of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.

The Fund for Gulf Communities was created through an anonymous donation to Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors to enhance the resiliency of diverse communities along the Gulf Coast. The Fund will achieve this goal by working with nonprofit organizations, such as The Community Foundation of South Alabama, that have strong ties to the community-based organizations providing direct services to people in need.

HandsOn South Alabama (HOSA) is requesting funding to support the expansion and replication of our services in Baldwin County. Following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill HOSA was first engaged by the Governor’s Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives to lead the volunteer response. It quickly became clear there was a real need for coordination among the social service providers, the local community and volunteers in order to meet the needs that existed prior to and following the Oil Spill.

HOSA will replicate key programs and services including: Volunteer Recruitment and Project management to support the Social Services Sector, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance/ Financial Education, and Workforce Development Program Activities. This grant will allow HOSA to provide training, support and coordination to the nonprofits in Baldwin County and will connect the residents of Baldwin County who want to actively participate in the recovery process with meaningful volunteer opportunities.