Hope Florida has helped more than 30,000 Floridians reduce or eliminate reliance on public assistance and is estimated to save the taxpayer nearly $1 Billion over 10 years.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis established the Hope Florida Office within the Executive Office of the Governor to oversee and administer the growing Hope Florida Pathway to Prosperity Initiative. Established in 2021, Hope Florida is a first-of-its-kind initiative that maximizes support from community partners outside government—predominantly non-profits, faith-based organizations, and private sector business partners. Utilizing a personalized navigation model, Floridians seeking government assistance are provided a Hope Navigator who utilizes those aforementioned entities to meet immediate needs and guide them on a Pathway to economic self-sufficiency. In fact, Hope Florida has already led to more than 30,000 Floridians decreasing or eliminating reliance on public assistance. Estimates show that Hope Florida could save taxpayers nearly $1 billion dollars over the next 10 years. Under the Hope Florida model, government serves as a convener and collaborator between good people who need help and good people, outside of government, who are willing to help. Government is uniquely positioned to make the connection and thus reduce its role in assisting people in need, while also providing preventative navigation that aims to prevent Floridians from reentering or becoming dependent on the “government system.”
Celia, a mother of three, was a graduate student who was struggling with student loans, rent, and childcare. While deciding between leaving school and applying for government assistance, Celia was introduced to Hope Florida. Through Hope Florida, Celia was connected with daycare resources, enabling her to finish school and land a full-time job. Her Hope Navigator encouraged her to continue her education and helped her develop a sustainable financial plan. Learn more about Celia’s story here.
“Hope Florida is the alternative to government dependency,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Thanks to Hope Florida, Floridians will receive better services that lead to self-sufficiency through this one-of-a-kind program.”
“Hope Florida is revolutionizing the way state governments meet needs,” said First Lady DeSantis. “By bringing together existing resources outside of government and pairing those in need with a navigator to guide them through all of the available help, Hope Florida is using government as the connector and then getting out of the way. In short, Hope Florida is help finding help.”
Since Hope Florida’s creation in 2021, more than 150 Hope Navigators across the state have referred over 100,000 Floridians for assistance, established 5,600 Hope Florida partners, including over 2,000 faith-based partners into the Hope Florida network.
The newly established Hope Florida office within the Executive Office of the Governor will work closely with state agencies to deepen partnerships with the public and private sectors to optimize Hope Florida’s effectiveness across the state. Erik Dellenback, who currently serves as the Governor’s Liaison for Faith and Community, will lead the Hope Florida office as Executive Director.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this new role, but more importantly to steward the bold vision of the Governor and First Lady for Hope Florida,” said Erik Dellenback. “Through Hope Florida, I believe we are standing witness to an incredible model of simple yet profound connection that will change our state and sweep across the nation.”
In August, Governor DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced “Activate Hope,” an expansion of Hope Florida to serve Floridians recovering from the impacts of disasters. Read more here.
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