The summer season may bring sunshine and vacations for some, but for many working families in our community, it’s one of the most financially challenging times of the year. FISH OF SANCAP continues to see an increase in local families seeking help during the summer months, as reduced work hours, rising costs, and school breaks create added strain on already-tight budgets.
“For many of the families we serve, summer means fewer hours at work, particularly in industries like hospitality, retail, and seasonal services,” says Nitza Lopez, Social Services Director at FISH. “At the same time, expenses often increase. Kids are home from school, which means higher grocery bills, higher utility bills, and additional childcare needs. All of these pressures stack up, making it hard for families to stay on top of everything.”
One local mom, Emily*, is among those who turned to FISH for support. Working two part-time jobs to support her two young children, Emily found herself struggling when her hours were cut as the tourist season slowed. The added cost of summer childcare and utilities quickly became overwhelming. *Name changed to protect client privacy.
Through FISH’s Youth Scholarship Program, Emily received assistance to help cover summer camp costs for her children, ensuring they had a safe, enriching place to go while she worked. The family also receives food support from the FISH Food Pantry, weekend meal packs through the Backpack Program and the monthly Fresh Meal Program, and help with a utility bill through the Helping Hands financial assistance program.
FISH’s Helping Hands program provides limited financial assistance for basic needs such as rent, utilities, and medical expenses. Families in need complete an intake process, submitting documentation to verify eligibility and household need. “We’re committed to meeting families where they are and offering the right kind of support when they need it most,” explains Nitza. “The intake process allows us to assess the full picture and often leads us to connect families with additional programs and resources they may not have known were available.”
Emily shares, “I don’t know what I would have done without FISH. The help came right when I was starting to panic. I was able to keep working, my kids will have a great camp experience, and we are staying afloat during a really tough stretch.”
The summer increase in assistance requests is something FISH sees every year — and this year is no exception.
“Summer is often a hidden struggle for many of our neighbors,” says Maria Espinoza, Executive Director of FISH. “This is the time when many local families quietly face financial stress as their work hours drop and expenses rise. That’s where FISH steps in — to make sure our neighbors know we’re here for them, every step of the way.”
Espinoza shares her gratitude for those who make FISH’s work possible. “We’re so thankful for every person who chooses to help — whether it’s a bag of groceries, a financial gift, or sponsoring a child’s summer scholarship. Every act of kindness makes a real difference. It helps a family breathe a little easier and reminds them they’re not alone.”
FISH invites community members, businesses, and visitors alike to get involved and help support local families this summer. Donations of non-perishable food, financial gifts, hosting a food drive or even volunteering at FISH can provide meaningful relief during these lean months. To learn more about how to give or receive help, contact FISH at 239-472-4775 or visit www.fishofsancap.org.
