Alachua County Social Services

04/24/2026

In recognition of the 2026 Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Alachua County Victim Services & R**e Crisis Center is hosting and participating in a series of events to raise awareness, honor survivors and engage the community in prevention efforts.

Throughout the month, residents are invited to attend the following events:

Survivors of Violence Art Exhibit
Thursday, April 23 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Harn Museum of Art (3259 Hull Road, Gainesville)
In collaboration with the Harn Museum, the exhibit features artwork created by survivors, revealing their courage, resilience and healing.​

Alachua County Proclamation Presentation
Tuesday, April 28 at 11:30 a.m.
Alachua County Administration Building in the Jack Durrance Auditorium (12 SE 1st St. Gainesville)
The Alachua County Commission will formally proclaim April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, honoring survivors and recognizing the advocates and sexual assault nurse examiners who provide critical 24/7 services to individuals impacted by violence.

Denim Day
Wednesday, April 29
Denim Day is a nationally recognized campaign that began in response to a court ruling that blamed a survivor’s clothing for an assault. Today, it stands as a powerful symbol of protest against victim-blaming and a call to stand in solidarity with survivors.

“These events provide an opportunity for our community to come together in support of survivors while raising awareness about the realities of sexual violence,” said Bethan O'Connor, community education project coordinator. “We are committed to creating spaces where survivors feel seen, supported and empowered.”

Sexual Assault Awareness Month is observed nationwide each April to increase public understanding of sexual violence and to promote prevention efforts. The Alachua County Victim Services & R**e Crisis Center encourages community members to participate, show support, and help foster a culture of respect and accountability.

If you or someone you know needs support, confidential help is available 24/7 through the Alachua County Victim Services & R**e Crisis Center Helpline at 352-264-6760.

04/24/2026

04/24/2026

From the City of Gainesville, FL - Government:

𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐍𝐨 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐙𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞

As wildfire suppression efforts continue in the North Main Street area, the City of Gainesville is instructing individuals in nearby woods to move to safer locations. This establishment of a No Entry Zone is a critical public safety measure to protect people from falling debris, uneven ground conditions and isolated hot spots. The new restriction also preserves evidence as the Florida Division of Agriculture and Consumer Services begins the fire investigation process.

The temporary safety zone includes wooded areas bounded by NW Sixth Street to the west, Main Street to the east, NW 39th Avenue to the south and NW 53rd Avenue to the north. Gainesville Fire Rescue (GFR) responders and officers from the Gainesville Police Department (GPD) will hand out maps with safety information to people camping in the woods within the newly restricted area. GFR has already begun putting up fire lines to indicate the section now closed to the public.

In addition, the multi-agency firefighting operation led by the Florida Forest Service is still underway and continued suppression efforts may include water drops, bulldozers and the presence of heavy equipment and machinery. These add to the risks in the center of activity.

Individuals are asked to respect the posted boundaries and guidance from on-site personnel. Those who remain in the restricted area after outreach may be subject to enforcement actions as a last resort, as the city strives to maintain a safe environment for neighbors and emergency responders.

Fire officials warn that even small fires or sparks can quickly spread in our current dry conditions. To avoid putting nearby homes and businesses at risk, follow these rules throughout the city:

🚫 Do not enter restricted wooded areas
🚫 Do not light campfires or open flames
✅ Follow all posted signage and fire line tape

Updates on wildfire status can be found on the live dashboard managed by the Florida Forest Service: https://ffs.firesponse.com/public/

The City of Gainesville maintains a list of reliable online wildfire resources and information about local fires on its Emergency Management website: https://tinyurl.com/mvy73kuw

Residents can also find updates from multiple agencies on the Alachua County Emergency Management website: https://alachuacountyready.com/

04/08/2026

Trinity United Methodist Church hosts the Mobile Food Pantry:
📍 Thu, April 9 | 10:30 AM
Majestic Oaks Apartments
5800 SW 20th Ave, Gainesville
This pantry is a walk-up (not a drive-through).
All are welcome.

04/08/2026

04/08/2026

CFCAA Electric Bill Assistance (LIHEAP) Outreach 👥 Open to residents of Alachua, Levy, and Marion counties

📅 Tuesday, April 14, 2026 🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Williston City Hall - 50 NW Main St, Williston, FL 32696

📄 TO APPLY OR COMPLETE LIHEAP APPLICATION, YOU MUST BRING ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
🪪 Current Unexpired Identification
🔢 Social Security Cards for All Household Members
🧒 Proof of Birthdate for ALL children 5 or under (if applicable)
🧓 Proof of Birthdate for 60 or older (if applicable)
♿ Proof of Disability (if applicable)
💰 All Household income received Daily, Weekly, Bi-weekly, and/or Monthly must cover the date range of 3/16/2026 - 4/14/2026
🍅 Proof of Food Stamps for Current Month (if applicable)
💡 Two (2) most recent itemized utility bills (all pages)
🏘️ Section 8 or HUD Housing Shelter form for Current Month (if applicable)

NOTE: Submission of an application is not a guarantee of service.

ℹ️ www.cfcaa.org/liheap/

04/07/2026

🥫 FREE FOOD -- Mobile Food Pantry
Hosted by Destiny Community Church with Bread of the Mighty

📅 Tuesday, April 7
⏰ Starts at 2 PM (Doors open at 12 PM)
📍 20820 W Newberry Rd, Newberry, FL 32669

Available items may include frozen meat, fresh produce, and baked goods.
No requirements to participate. Please bring your own bag or box.

First come, first served

04/03/2026

UPDATE: This event has been rescheduled. It will now take place on May 9 at 1 p.m. at the Alachua Branch.

Join us for Financial Wellness: Budgeting on Saturday, April 11, at 1 p.m. at the Alachua Branch.

Staff from Fifth Third Bank will discuss tips for successful budgeting and saving money. Gain the knowledge you need to take control of your financial future.
https://tr.ee/0IkbQg

04/03/2026

It’s officially April which means taxes are due in 15 days, but it’s not too late to schedule your FREE tax filing appointment!

If you, or someone you know, needs help, please share this resource.

Visit UnitedWayNCFL.org/VITA to learn more and schedule your appointment today!

04/03/2026

The Gainesville Housing Authority will be accepting online pre-applications for Public Housing on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 10:00 AM.

750 pre-applications we be accepted for the following unit size(s) only:
• One (1) Bedroom
• Two (2) Bedroom
• Three (3) Bedroom
• Four (4) Bedroom
• Five (5) Bedroom

The Gainesville Housing Authority accepts online pre-applications only via our web portal at: www.gainesvilleha.housingmanager.com
Information about the Public Housing program can be found on our website at:
www.gainesvillehousingfl.org

If you are disabled and in need of a reasonable accommodation, please call GHA at 352-872-5500, TDD 352-872-5503, and/or visit GHA at 1900 SE 4thStreet, Gainesville, FL 32641 no later than 1:00 PM, Tuesday, April 7, 2026 to request assistance.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and we are closed from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. for lunch daily.

NOTICE: No applicant has a right or entitlement to be listed on the waiting list, or to any particular position on the waiting list [24 CFR 982.202(c)].

04/03/2026

April Mobile Food Pantry details are here!
Join us at the three locations throughout the month—each begins at 10:30 AM, with either drive-thru or walk-up distribution depending on the location.

All are welcome. Come as you are, and please share with anyone who might need support.

03/13/2026

"BACK ON TRACK
FREE MOBILE FOOD PANTRY!
FOR THOSE IN NEED
NEXT PANTRY: MARCH 14, 2026
9:30-11:00 AM
SECOND SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH!
HODA CENTER, 5220 SW 13th St, Gainesville, FI 32608"