Caritas

Was established during the summer of 1980 by Reverend Jerome A. Carosella, pastor of St. Martha (1973-1986).

Caritas is conceived as a cooperative effort of several churches in downtown Sarasota in providing emergency assistance. While maintaining its own identity, each church complies with general policies and standard procedures, mutually agreed upon and accepted and uses its own budget in meeting the needs of the clients interviewed. All contribute to the Caritas Pantry located in the First Baptist Church facility on Main Street.

Since resources are limited, the primary purpose of the organization is to provide temporary, emergency help to those who find themselves in acute financial need. Caritas has provided temporary shelter for the homeless, assistance with utilities, and help with rent or mortgage payments in crisis situations, as well as food items from the Caritas Pantry.

Currently the churches involved in Caritas are: Church of the Redeemer, First Baptist Church, First Presbyterian Church USA, First United Methodist Church, and St. Martha Catholic Church.

Schedule of Participating Churches

Mondays
First United Methodist Church
Tuesdays
St. Martha Catholic Church
Wednesdays
Church of the Redeemer
Thursdays
First Baptist Church
First Presbyterian Church USA
(on Thursdays the above Churches alternate weeks)
Fridays
St. Martha Catholic Church

Hours: 9 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Address: 1651 2nd Street, Sarasota, FL 34236
Phone: (941) 366-5620