The United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee Counties opened its 17th United Way House Tuesday morning.
The houses serve as a one-stop-shop to provide services to communities. The Cape Coral site, located at 1048 SE 10th St., will offer employment assistance provided by Goodwill Job Links Service, support for adults living with mental illness by Hope Clubhouse, a food pantry provided by Cape Coral Caring Center, literacy services by the Literacy Council Gulf Coast and legal aid which will be provided by Legal Aid Self-Help Center.
The Salvation Army will also be housed at the Cape Coral location to help people apply for government benefits as well as the Multiple Sclerosis Center of Southwest Florida.
Laura Guarino is the Cape Coral United Way House liaison and house manager. She works for the nonprofit mental health and substance abuse service provider, SalusCare, Inc.
SalusCare is the lead agency overseeing services provided through the Cape Coral location.
Guarino said it is important for the community to have a place to turn to for a variety of services.
"Not only we can serve people in the house, but if there is something that we don’t have here, we can refer them to 211 as well as SalusCare to make sure they get everything that is needed," Guarino said
The Cape Coral United Way house is the only one in the city. A few more social service agencies are also expected to take up residence at the location.
