Casey DeSantis is helping Floridians break free from government dependency.
She is spearheading a bold conservative program to change the state’s welfare system.
And Casey DeSantis delivered this big win for Florida taxpayers that Democrats will hate.
The Florida Hope program is breaking the cycle of welfare dependence
In 2020, Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis launched a major new initiative, the Florida Hope program.
Florida Hope started selectively in a few areas before expanding statewide.
It aims to connect people in need with help outside of the government from charities, faith-based groups, and nonprofits.
Tampa ABC affiliate WFTS interviewed the Florida First Lady about how Hope Florida was making an impact and saving taxpayer money.
“I always say you can have the best resources, you can have the best programs, but if you don’t know that they’re there, what good are they?” DeSantis explained.
Hope Florida centralizes the resources in the private sector that can help people.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration believes that the program could eventually save the state almost one billion dollars by reducing dependency on the welfare system.
“It’s helping people find a better place in life,” DeSantis said. “Helping them live up to their God-given potential. Helping them on a pathway to economic self-sufficiency.”
The program has helped more than 87,000 Floridians to date and more than 25,000 of them have reduced or stopped using public assistance.
Florida estimates that in a decade that could result in $795 million saved in taxpayer money by lessening dependence on the welfare system.
Hope Navigators help connect Floridians in need with the resources available through the program.
“We are someone that actually gives people hope,” Hope Navigators Kirsten Lovett said.
She lets organizations involved in the program, through Hope Florida’s CarePortal, know what the person they are helping needs.
“A lot of times families hear no — that denial kind of discourages them,” Lovett said. “What we do is make those calls for them. When we call them back— all they hear is yes.”
Hope Florida makes it easier for groups to get involved
Tallahassee City Church Pastor Dean Inserra said that his church was helping more people through the Hope Florida program.
“It’s real easy to know that there are needs in the big picture, generically,” Inserra said. “But it can be so big you feel like you can’t make a difference by taking the next step. CarePortal allows us to have a clear next step and say here are real people, with real problems, that are right next door.”
Ron DeSantis praised his wife on social media for the good work she has done with the Hope Florida program.
“Great to see Hope Florida getting the attention it deserves,” DeSantis wrote. “If you need help or can give help in Florida, Hope Florida will make the connection.”
“And thanks to Hope Florida, over 20,000 Floridians are no longer dependent on government assistance, saving our state nearly $800 million,” DeSantis continued. “Great work [Casey DeSantis]!”
Great to see Hope Florida getting the attention it deserves. If you need help or can give help in Florida, Hope Florida will make the connection.
And thanks to Hope Florida, over 20,000 Floridians are no longer dependent on government assistance, saving our state nearly $800… https://t.co/r2zvkEnprR
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) May 3, 2024
Florida is helping needy residents get a hand up without relying on the broken welfare system.
DeSantis Daily will keep you up-to-date on any new developments in this ongoing story.
