COALITION LAUNCHES “JOURNEY HOME CAMPAIGN” $12 MILLION MAJOR GIFTS FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN

ORLANDO, FL – August 6, 2012 – (RealEstateRama) — Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida has launched the Journey Home Campaign, a $12 million major gifts and endowment fundraising initiative to ensure the strength and viability of the Coalition for years to come.  This is the largest-ever fundraising endeavor for the 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, which benefits the community by providing housing and supportive services to more than 750 homeless men, women and children every day…and about 4,000 individuals each year.  Fifty percent – or $6 million – has already been raised for the construction of the Men’s Service Center through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding from Orange County and the City of Orlando.

Providing hope to homeless individuals and families for 25 years, the Coalition has assisted 50,000 neighbors in the last 10 years alone through emergency shelter, transitional housing and community housing programs.   Today, many are homeless for the first time – particularly families.  The Coalition has seen a 24% increase in families since last year, and the need for services exists more than ever to help restore self-worth and empower financial stability.

The three-year campaign presents unique opportunities to invest in the Coalition and help provide life-changing support to single adults and families with children on their Journey Home.  Each opportunity enables donors to make a positive impact on clients, the agency, and the entire community, whether one makes a long-term commitment through the Journey Home Giving Society, chooses to support homeless women through Women in Philanthropy, benefits the Coalition in a will or estate plan in the Legacy Society, or supports the transformation of homeless men through the Men’s Service Center Initiative.  One can also invest in the Coalition in perpetuity through Endowment funding.

“Whether one’s passion lies with serving the needs of women, children and families or the large number of homeless men, including veterans, there’s a way for an individual or business to make a significant difference in their lives and help steer the course on their Journey Home,“ said Coalition President/CEO Brent A. Trotter.  “The Coalition is asking Central Florida to invest in the important work of transforming the lives of our neighbors in need.”

Prospective donors should contact the Development Department at 407-426-1256 or development (at) cflhomeless (dot) org.  Those donating $5,000 and above will receive special recognition, including acknowledgement on a donor wall, unless they desire anonymity.  The Coalition is grateful to the individuals who have already committed to the campaign.

• The Journey Home Giving Society: A long-term commitment to ending the crisis of homelessness, members will have the opportunity to pledge $1,000, $10,000 or $25,000 over five years to support the Coalition’s unrestricted operating needs.  
• Women in Philanthropy: A limited opportunity for a charter group of 100 women to donate $5,000 each. Contributions may be pledged over a three to five year time frame and funds raised will be designated to the Coalition’s Center for Women and Families and Women’s Residential and Counseling Center programs and services.
• Legacy Society: Recognizes donors who provide a provision in their will or estate plan to benefit the Coalition. These are usually any gifts, made during lifetime or at death as part of a donor’s overall financial and/or estate plan.
• Men’s Service Center (MSC) Initiative: Provides programs for the most underserved of the homeless population: men.  Gifts of $5,000 and up will be recognized in the Journey Home Giving Society and on a special donor wall in the new MSC.  Gifts of $10,000 and up will offer additional commemorative naming rights, including special rooms, office suites, lobby and entrance areas, and other opportunities.
• Endowment Funding: Enables donors to leave a community-enhancing legacy by investing in the Coalition’s mission in perpetuity.  This gift will help build the organization’s capacity and contribute to long-term sustainability – a strong return on investment.

About Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida:

Coalition for the Homeless is the largest provider of homeless services in Central Florida
and the largest residential facility for children.  On a given night, the Coalition
provides services to over 750 men, women and children.
Over 250 are children, with an average age of eight years old.