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Alleviating Hunger & Homelessness
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Recovering from Homelessness
As a young woman, Mary had big dreams for her life – many of which came true. A talented graphic artist, she had her own design studio, a family and deep ties to the Texas community where she lived. However, after moving to Orlando, the sudden death of her husband and her own bout with a serious illness left Mary and her son penniless and alone. Thanks to the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, a United Way supported agency, mother and son received safe shelter and a fresh start. After completing counseling and job training, Mary found work as a 3-D animator and within a few months saved enough money to move into a small home in Clermont. Deeply grateful for the help she received, she’s now working on dreams for the next chapter of her life.
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For most of us, having enough food to eat and a warm, secure place to sleep are considered basic rights. Unfortunately, for a growing number of Central Floridians – including families with children – hunger and homelessness are a daily reality. Disruption of income, serious illness and domestic violence are major factors that can cause homelessness for people from all walks of life. And as Central Florida’s unemployment and foreclosure rates continue to grow, homelessness and hunger are an increasing threat to many middle-income families.
To address these critical problems, United Way’s Alleviating Hunger and Homelessness focus area is seeking new solutions for linking people to food and affordable housing programs, as well as a variety of prevention-based resources.
In addition, we’re also partnering with the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness, which is working on a 10-year-plan to end homelessness in our region.
To learn more about Alleviating Hunger and Homelessness, click here.
When Central Florida families prosper, we all win. To support programs that help prevent hunger and homelessness, click here to donate.
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When Central Florida families prosper, we all win.
To support programs that help prevent Hunger
and Homelessness,
click on the
Donate Now button.
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Making a Difference
364,000
In 2009-10, United Way funded programs helped nearly 364,000 Central Floridians lead healthier, safer lives.
43,000
individuals benefitted from emergency rental and utility assistance to help stabilize a financial crisis.
28,000
people received nutrious meals through local food programs.
6,300
homeless children and adults received safe shelter, as well as transition services to help stabilize their lives.
Did You Know?
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Low wages and lack of affordable housing are the primary reasons for homelessness.*
- Families with children comprise the fastest growing segment of Central Florida’s homeless population – with children represent 24% of the group.*
- 45% of local homeless people are employed every day.**
- A Central Florida minimum wage worker would have to work 107 hours per week, 52 weeks a year, to be able to afford the average two-bedroom apartment.***
- Demand for food pantry assistance rose 200 to 300 percent in 2008, with single-parent households, usually led by a women, representing the largest number of people served.****
*Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida
**Homeless Services Network, 2008 Point-in-Time Count of the Homeless in Orange, Osceola, Seminole Counties and the City of Orlando
***The National Center on Family Homelessness
****Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida |
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