Change for Change

More than 550 children in Tallahassee are homeless, which is nearly 20 percent of the city's total homeless population. The number of homeless families and children continues to grow, with an increasing number of them experiencing homelessness for the first time.

Changing that is simple.

History of Change for Change
Nearly a decade ago, a passionate group of Tallahassee Citizens, called Tallahassee Equality Action Ministry (TEAM), brought a recommendation to the Tallahassee City Commission that would allow citizens to help address homelessness in the community by making a monthly contribution on their city utility bill.  Called Change for Change, the program was adopted by the Commission in 2004.

How do I sign up Change for Change?
Utility customers will receive a Change for Change form included in their April utility bill. Once completed with the utility account holder's name & address, the preferred contribution amount & signed authorization, the form can be mailed back with the utility payment or mailed separately to the address listed below.

Not a city utilities customer?
If you are not able to sign up to make a monthly contribution through your city utilities account, one-time donations are also appreciated. Checks payable to City of Tallahassee Change for Change can be mailed to the address below.

Utility Business & Customer Services
Customer Services Division
408 N Adams St.
Tallahassee, FL 32301

Sign up for Change for Change on Talgov.com

How is the money used?
The Change for Change program provides basic needs and emergency services to help homeless families and individuals in Tallahassee.  Services include shelter programs, education, and training; assistance with move-in expenses; financial assistance toward emergency housing payments; matching dollars for permanent housing projects; and for other services supporting the homeless.

Change for Change funds are distributed to qualified agencies who provide homelessness services through an existing program used by the City, County and United Way where citizen volunteers help direct funding to the areas of greatest need in Tallahassee.

Current recipients of Change for Change funding include:

The HOPE Community, a program of the Big Bend Homeless Coalition, is a 6-month transitional housing program that provides a safe and structured living environment for families and individuals experiencing homelessness in Tallahassee. At HOPE, each resident is empowered to recover from homelessness and become self-sufficient and over 70% of residents have moved into stable housing.

The Capital Area Community Action Agency, Inc. (CACAA), a private non-profit organization that provides services and resources to low-income citizens to reduce the detrimental effects of poverty, empower them with skills and motivation to become self-sufficient, and improve the overall quality of their lives, and our community.

America's Second Harvest of the Big Bend, a food bank that distributes over 3 million pounds of food every year, equaling 2 million meals, for those in need. When families find themselves having to choose between paying the rent or feeding their family, Second Harvest can provide them with food and help prevent them from becoming homeless.

Is my contribution tax deductible?
Yes, because contributions to Change for Change go directly to non-profit organizations, your annual contribution can be listed as a tax deduction. Your monthly contribution to Change for Change is listed on your utility bill each month, which can be used as documentation.

What if I do NOT want to participate in the program?
While all City utility customers are eligible to participate in the program, only those who sign up will see the amount included with their bill. If you do not want to participate, simply do not sign up.

Can I change my mind later?
It's your decision. You can stop participating, increase your contribution, or decrease your contribution simply by calling City of Tallahassee Utilities at 891-4YOU (4968).

Who can I contact for more information about this program?
Call the City's Communications Department at 850-891-8533.