Former Senator Mel Martinez shares thoughts, support
ORLANDO, FL – May 13, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — On Tuesday evening, April 30, 2013, more than 135 Winter Park residents and their guests gathered at Interlachen Country Club to enjoy camaraderie, cocktails and canapés, and to focus on a very serious message – the realities of homelessness in Central Florida. The event was hosted by a committee of 11 community leaders,* chaired by Rick Wack of Mediation Services of Central Florida, Inc., in partnership with Coalition for the Homeless. It was underwritten by an anonymous donor, a generous expression of endorsement for the cause.
The reception was emceed by Jacob Stuart, President of the Central Florida Partnership, and featured remarks by former United States Senator and Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary, Mel Martinez. Discourse centered on a topic not often discussed in country club circles: the plight of the most underserved segment of the homeless population – single men – and the potential for the Coalition’s soon-to-open, residential Men’s Service Center to return these men to self-sufficiency.
“This aspect of homelessness has a national footprint and like many other regions and states, Central Florida is part of this growing concern,” said Martinez. “Along with the number of families requiring services, the plight of chronically homeless men, in particular, must be addressed. The new Men’s Service Center truly warrants our community’s support because it is a substantial step toward helping homeless men reclaim their lives.”
The uplifting success story of Pastor William Andrews was shared with the group via video as testimony to the miracles that can happen to the most downtrodden with one-on-one help, caring and community support.
Having fallen into homelessness due to drug addiction, this multi-degreed professional resorted to sleeping on the floor in the Coalition’s current Men’s Pavilion, a drop-in nightly shelter. Finally deciding to take advantage of the nonprofit’s substance abuse recovery program, Pastor Andrews was guided by staff into sobriety and a changed life, which now includes his Senior Pastor position at Heart of Mercy Community Church of the Nazarene and recent service on the Coalition’s Board of Directors. He is overjoyed by the array of services to be offered and the lives that can be transformed in the new Men’s Service Center, which will replace the Men’s Pavilion in late summer 2013.
Coalition President/CEO Brent Trotter shared his hope that the evening would bring a greater awareness about the economic and other contributors to homelessness for the 650 men, women and children served by the Coalition on an average night.
Said Trotter, “Our intent tonight is to enlighten you about the realities we see each day and the hope and help our new facility will bring to homeless men – many of them veterans who served honorably, brothers and fathers. Some are employed; but all are in need of services that will help them regain their dignity and independence.”
Though the event was not designed as a fundraiser, many guests expressed their desire to support the operation of this new portrayal of the Coalition’s mission to transform lives. Those interested in contributing or learning about naming opportunities in the new building are asked to contact Lisa.Hicks (at) cflhomeless (dot) org or 407-872-5791.
*The host committee is comprised of: Jeanne Builder, Mike Gallaher, Sandy Hostetter, Jack Kuykendall, Rita Lowndes, Michael Poole, Randy Rush, Jacob Stuart, Rick Troutman, Richard Wack, and Bill Walker.
Coalition for the Homeless is the largest provider of homeless services in Central Florida. This non-profit organization works to transform the lives of homeless men, women and children in the community by providing crucial services to end their crisis of homelessness. In the most recent fiscal year, the Coalition served close to 307,000 meals and helped nearly 4,400 homeless individuals.
