Dozens of homeless people in Central Florida will soon have a new lease in life, thanks to the Christian Service Center. The faith-based nonprofit will reportedly provide dozens in the homeless community with a place to call home.
Eradicating Homelessness
In a report with WFTV, the charitable organization said that they have exceeded their goal of housing 69 individuals and families.
According to Christian Service Center, their program housed 75 of the area's homeless in 2021. It said that the number was an achievement for them.
The nonprofit hopes to provide more homes for the homeless community this year and eradicate homelessness.
New Lease in Life
One of those people who found themselves with a fresh start for the New Year was Kenny Fernandez. The Orlando native said that he found himself behind bars for several years.
Fernandez told the news outlet that he found himself on the wrong side of the law. He said that he ran out of money and had to resort to stealing.
The ex-convict admitted that he was at a low point in his life when he stole money from a business. He soon found himself without a home once he was released from prison.
Fernadez said he approached the Christian Service Center for help. The nonprofit offered him its Homeless Elimination Program.
He told the news outlet that the organization changed his life.
Fernandez wanted to make amends for his ways and took a job at the nonprofit. As of last month, he now has a place to stay.
Lending Helping Hand
According to the Christian Service Center website, the nonprofit aims to battle homelessness and hunger in the community. The faith-based organization also wants to give hope to the hopeless while giving them the empowerment they need.
The Center has become a haven for many homeless communities in Central Florida for over 45 years. The nonprofit said that it provides help to those in need.
The Christian Service Center also has three core programs for the communities. These initiatives help fulfill its mission of preventing homelessness, combating poverty, and cultivating self-sufficiency.
The Daily Bread Program began in 1975. Its goal is to provide families and individuals with a free lunch. The meals are given six days a week.
Staff and volunteers help with the program. A dedicated team prepares the meals. Partner agencies and local merchants also provide ingredients.
The nonprofit said that it served over four million meals in 2018.
The Family & Emergency Services (FES) program gives families and individuals access to resources.
Those who avail of these services find themselves on the brink of homelessness. The nonprofit provides them with food and clothing. They are even given financial rent or utility assistance to prevent losing their homes.
The nonprofit also has The Love Pantry. This foodbank gives children and their families access to a free emergency food supply.
The food is supplied through local public schools. The program aims to end food insecurity among children. It also wants to help families have longer-term solutions through local resource information.
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