Never Give Up. Volume 4 Issue 1 Winter 2016

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1 Established in 1989 Volume 4 Issue 1 Winter 2016 Mission To alleviate and prevent hunger and homelessness. Vision We envision a community free of hunger and homelessness. Never Give Up Kim, a drugstore employee, is a single mom with 6 and 9 year old sons. When her marriage ended she was on her own and needed assistance paying her past due electric bills and a security deposit for a more affordable place to live. With nowhere else to turn, Kim decided to contact the Homeless Coalition. She met with a case manager to review her budget and apply for assistance. Kim learned about resources in the community that could assist her family with specific needs. With help from her case manager Laura, she looked at her monthly budget and was able to identify Kim with her sons areas to change. One was to move to a more affordable apartment. Kim found that by receiving financial assistance with her security deposit and 1st month s rent along with catching up on her utility bills she would be able to keep her monthly budget on track. Kim enrolled in the Homeless Coalition s Bridges Out Of Poverty classes. Bridge s helps participants by sharing real-world skills to alleviate poverty by providing them with the tools and strategies they need to achieve independence. It brings people from all sectors and economic classes together to improve job retention rates, build necessary resources, and support those moving out of poverty. The Bridges Out Of Poverty classes helped me the most. I wasn t sure what road to go down. It gave me a focus and taught me how to budget and save. I m very grateful for all of the help from the Coalition. My advice to others is to never give up. I feel like if something bad happens, something good will always follow. Since coming to the Homeless Coalition, Kim and her sons have been back on track financially. They were sponsored over Christmas by Southeastern Freight Lines in Punta Gorda with gifts and goodies. Kim and her boys were very thankful to enjoy a wonderful Christmas in their new home together. Be on the lookout for the Grand Opening of our new Resale Store!! Whether you like to shop, volunteer or have treasures to donate, we would love your support!! For more information, contact John Fanning at , Ext. 104.

2 Page 2 Winter 2016 From the ceo Angela M. Hogan CEO Physical Address: 1476 Kenesaw St Port Charlotte, FL Mailing Address: Box Murdock, FL Phone: Web Address: cchomelesscoalition.org Social Media: facebook.com/charlotte countyhomelesscoalition YouTube.com/ cchomelesscoalition Homeless Coalition Leadership Team Angela M. Hogan, Chief Executive Officer John Fanning, Director of Operations Tina Figliuolo, Director of Development & Community Relations Alecia Cunningham, Director of Social Services Karin Barbito, Shelter Director It s Impossible! Or, Is It? Since I started working at the Homeless Coalition I have been told by people from every segment of our community some variation of the same sentiment. The Homeless Coalition does good work, but you can never end homelessness. The homeless will always be with us. Some people will always choose to live that way. Or, it s just not possible. Do other nonprofit leaders have the experience of people openly saying Domestic Violence, Illiteracy, or Unemployment will always be with us? Are most people so jaded to give up on other people s potential or social issues? To be fair, when I first heard that the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) had released the Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, I was a bit of a skeptic too. Opening Doors is the nation s first comprehensive federal strategy to prevent and end homelessness. The major goals of the Opening Doors Plan are: Prevent and end homelessness among Veterans in 2015 Finish the job of ending chronic homelessness in 2017 Prevent and end homelessness for families with children and youth in 2020 Set a path to ending all types of homelessness LIKE us on Facebook at So what does it mean to end homelessness? An end to homelessness means that every community will have a systematic response in place that ensures homelessness is prevented whenever possible, or if it can t be prevented, it is a rare, brief, and non-recurring experience. Specifically, every community will have the capacity to: Quickly identify and engage people at risk of and experiencing homelessness. Intervene to prevent the loss of housing and divert people from entering the homelessness services system. When homelessness does occur, provide immediate access to shelter and crisis services, without barriers to entry, while permanent stable housing and appropriate supports are being secured, and quickly connect people to housing assistance and services tailored to their unique needs and strengths to help them achieve and maintain stable housing. While these strategies may just sound like common sense, they are a major divergence from the system of homeless services that most communities have built over the past 50 years. Admittedly, these systems have been proven ineffective and need to change. Housing programs with lengthy prerequisites such as sobriety, mandatory mental health and substance abuse treatment, mandatory participation in religious services, background checks, extended stays in transitional housing, or separation of family members, have perpetuated homelessness. It has been repeatedly documented that these practices are intended to keep people who are the most vulnerable and in need of services OUT of shelter and housing, while they divert our community s limited resources to people who are relatively high functioning and can be moved immediately to permanent housing with no need for expensive support services. Continued on page 6

3 cchomelesscoalition.org facebook.com/charlottecountyhomelesscoalition Housing for Veterans Have you heard about the latest initiative at the Homeless Coalition? We have joined the federal government s initiative to end Veterans Homelessness. The Homeless Coalition now has 20 dedicated beds at the shelter for the most vulnerable Veterans. The Coalition is working in conjunction with the Department of Veteran s Affairs (VA) to accept referrals for these beds as well as any other person or agency in the community that has knowledge of a homeless Veteran in need of emergency housing. Homeless Veterans begin working with case managers from the Department Veteran s Affairs and the Homeless Coalition to create goals and locate permanent housing. Most Veterans arrive to the program with what is called a VASH Voucher (Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing). VASH is a certificate issued from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that provides a rental subsidy for eligible Veterans to obtain permanent housing. If a Veteran is not determined eligible by the VA to receive this voucher, the Homeless Coalition can utilize other financial resources to ensure the Veteran will be moved into stable housing. Since opening this program, the Staff of the Homeless Coalition has been overwhelmed by the support and collaboration by the community partners in Charlotte County. Not only has the Department of Veteran s Affairs been fully present, but Jewish Children & Family Services, Jesus Loves You Outreach, Renaissance Manor, Volunteers of America, and Charlotte County Transit have all enthusiastically participated in supporting our community s Veterans. We are dedicated to Ending Veteran Homelessness in Charlotte County. It is the goal of all the agencies participating in this endeavor to house every homeless Veteran quickly, prevent homelessness whenever possible, and to conduct outreach services to those who are the most vulnerable and are not currently receiving services. If you would like more information on this effort or would like to help, please contact Tina at (941) , Extension 118. CCHC Voice Page 3 fe ature program Did You Know? Every week Suncoast Humane Society brings in therapy dogs to visit the Veterans staying in our shelter. Thank you Suncoast Humane Society! How YOU can make a Difference! Volunteer: Volunteers are the backbone of the Homeless Coalition. Amazing volunteers assist with everything from referring clients, case management, tutoring, cooking, serving, cleaning, stocking the pantry, answering thousands of telephone calls, typing, copying, raising money, and serving on committees. There is so much more work to do, please consider volunteering and YOU will make a difference. Donate: When you make a cash gift to the Homeless Coalition today, we both benefit. Your generosity enables us to meet our most urgent needs and carry out our mission on a daily basis. There are several ways to donate whether it is donating cash, treasures, and gifts of stock. Your gift, no matter how large or small will make a difference. Leave a Legacy: We hope that you ll consider including a gift to the Charlotte County Homeless Coalition in your will or living trust. There are numerous benefits from giving in this way. We encourage you to contact us for detailed information about what options may be right for you and your family. Legacy Gifts can change a life now and for decades to come. For more information on ways you can make a difference in so many lives, contact Tina at (941) Ext. 118.

4 Page 4 Winter 2016 LIKE us on Facebook at volunteer spotlight EABOR Linda Sherman, Pat Ottolini and Becky Cole The Englewood Area Board of Realtors (EABOR) have become regular volunteers at the Homeless Coalition. This group of local Realtors led by Phil Van Der Heyden, the Co-Chair of the EABOR Community Outreach Committee, provides funding for dinner meals from donations made by local realtors. They also provide two shifts of people to prepare and serve dinner as well as cleaning up after the meal is over. TEAM EABOR volunteers come in with matching chef hats and create a fun atmosphere while giving back to the community. They always make the dinner guests smile. Thank you TEAM EABOR!! Sending Our Heartfelt Thanks Chick-Fil-A of Port Charlotte has an exemplary commitment to service in our community. This commitment starts with Edward Leslie, local store operator and the culture he creates amongst his employees. They not only treat every customer with respect but give back through fundraisers, promotions, and service. Chick-Fil-A continues to be one of the Premier Sponsors of the Foundation s Mistletoe Ball and they also pitch in to help set up before the event, as well as, donate the proceeds from the 5k - 10k Race Series Event in December. By donating the Race proceeds to the Mistletoe Ball, Chick-Fil-A is making it possible for the Homeless Coalition to provide food, shelter, and homeless prevention services to those in our community who need it the most! From the Board, Foundation, and Staff of the Homeless Coalition, we would like to send a heartfelt thank you to Chick-Fil-A s wonderful staff and dedicated leader: Edward Leslie.

5 cchomelesscoalition.org facebook.com/charlottecountyhomelesscoalition Friends of the Foundation The Homeless Coalition Foundation exists to raise vital funds to support the mission of the Homeless Coalition. With a strong Board of Trustees the Homeless Coalition Foundation has boldly expanded their vision from just dayto-day operating expenses, to campaigns that reduce the Homeless Coalition s long-term debt, increase organizational capacity and long term stability through growth of endowments. Donors that choose to make a generous gift to the Foundation join a special group called the Friends of the Foundation. This amazingly generous group is comprised exclusively of donors who give annual unrestricted gifts of over $1,000 to the Foundation. When you become a Friend of the Foundation you help to: Feed families Tutor children Keep women, children and veterans housed The Inaugural Friends of the Foundation Members are: Curtis & Tonya Abel Valerie Reed & Antonio Suarez Thomas & Yoko Cappiello Debra Reynolds Justin & Katrin Gerow Britt & Angie Matthiessen Thomas & Manuela Gruber Linda Pizarro Cynthia Guffey Randy & Toni Simpson John & Angela Hogan Ted & Sandy Wierzbanowski Greg & Karen Raquet Thank you to everyone who has become a Friend of the Foundation. For more information on how to join contact Tina Figliuolo at (941) , Ext Your commitment to the work of the Foundation will help us set a solid path for the future of the Coalition. Voice Page 5 office of development Tina Figliuolo Director, Community Relations & Development Congratulations to Pat & Vito D Amico for winning the Viking Cruise Raffle! The D Amico s won a Rhine or Danube 8-day Viking River Cruise for 2! We re Off and Running! The 6 th Annual Homeless Coalition Derby is running for another successful year! Our Kentucky Derby themed fundraising campaign challenges our supporters and volunteers to raise funds through local events and activities. The Derby Campaign raises vital operating funds to support the programs and services of the Homeless Coalition. The goal for this year s Derby is to raise $80,000 through a combined effort from all the volunteer teams! The Derby will wrap up with the popular Victory Party on Saturday, May 7, 2016 with a Live Viewing of the Kentucky Derby along with food, games, and prizes. To learn more about upcoming events, like us on Facebook at Charlotte County Homeless Coalition and check the Let s Go section of the Sun every Wednesday for updates and fun events to attend and ways get involved. If you would like more information, contact Tina Figliuolo at (941) , Ext. 118 or events@cchomelesscoalition.org. Have you considered the Homeless Coalition in your Estate Planning?

6 Page 6 Winter 2016 fe ature profile board of directors Joe Angelini III Corporal Punta Gorda Police Dept Teri Ashley, Board President Director of Business Development Riverside Behavioral Center Andrew Barco Owner Barco s Accounting & Tax Service Amy Biener Area Manager Local Customer Care CenturyLink Ashley B. Houseman Associate Broker Coldwell Banker Sunstar-Morris Realty Rick Ilmberger Owner Suncoast Glass and Mirror Polly Johnson Assistant V.P., Branch Manager Charlotte State Bank & Trust Steve Lineberry Senior Photographer Wise Choice Photography Events Julie Mathis Executive Director Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce Jill McBee Lieutenant Charlotte County Sheriff s Office Jason R. Miller, Treasurer CFO Medical Center of Southeast Texas Greg Novack Retired Restaurateur Lara Praizner Sr Personal Banker BMO Harris Bank W. Kevin Russell, Past President Attorney W. Kevin Russell Law Bob Segur, P.A. Attorney & School Board Member Charlotte County Public Schools Linda Simmons Design & Sales Busy Bee Cabinets Toni Simpson, Foundation Board Chair V.P. R. Simpson Plastering & Stucco Kay Tracy Business Development Specialist Olga Triola Managed Markets Business Planner - Merck & Company, Inc. Emeritus Directors Mark Martella, Past President Attorney Martella Law Firm Olga Triola LIKE us on Facebook at Olga has been on the Homeless Coalition Board of Directors for almost 2 years. After relocating to Florida from Philadelphia, she was stunned by the prevalence of homelessness in our area, especially among children. She came in for a shelter tour and was impressed with the services provided by the Coalition. She quickly became part of our wonderful network of volunteers, believing that volunteering provides endless opportunities to improve lives, including your own. Olga received her Finance degree from Ohio State Olga Triola and her MBA from Carnegie Mellon, and has been working at Merck for 10 years across various finance and business planning roles. Olga lends her time and business knowledge to upcoming projects at the Coalition. Her hobbies include running and playing soccer. Last year, Olga contributed to our Annual Derby fundraiser by running a marathon in which she raised over $2,000! She and her husband Brian live in North Port with their three children. It s Impossible! Or, Is It? Continued from page 2 Far from common sense, these are radical reforms to how community s are addressing homelessness. The good news is throughout the country there are examples of how it is actually working. When community s focus their scarce resources on those who are truly the most vulnerable and at risk of death or serious injury by being left unsheltered, there are real and visible results! It is my sincere hope that our community can and will start looking at what is possible. A small group of us have made amazing progress towards Ending Veterans Homelessness in Charlotte County by the end of It s going to take many more people on our team to tackle the next challenge.

7 cchomelesscoalition.org facebook.com/charlottecountyhomelesscoalition Voice Page 7 Celebration and Thanks Celebrating the Heart of a Volunteer was the theme for the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Brunch on February 11 th. Thank you to New Day Christian Church, Volunteers, Staff, and everyone who contributed to make this event terrific! It was a wonderful time and we are so grateful to have had the opportunity to spend some time with the amazing Volunteers who give so much of themselves to keep our organization going strong every day. Volunteers are the heart of the Homeless Coalition. Did you know that over 80% of our daily operations are performed by Volunteers? The Coalition s Staff and Clients rely on the support of hundreds of Volunteers to do everything from manage the governance of the organization to serving the meals in the dining room. New Volunteers are always needed as we expand the services offered to the community. One of our favorite things to do is to give tours. If you have not had a tour of the Homeless Coalition, please call us. We can set up an appointment to show you the facility and explain our scope of services. volunteer opportunities Robin Clark Volunteer Coordinator (941) Ext. 109 Robin.clark@ cchomelesscoalition.org For volunteer opportunities, go to our website at cchomelesscoalition.org and click on the Volunteer tab. If you are interested in getting involved, here are some ideas and current needs at the Homeless Coalition.. Kitchen help is needed from 10:30am - 1:00pm and 1:00pm - 5:00pm Monday through Thursday. Front Desk help is needed in the office of the Shelter on: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00am - Noon Monday through Friday from 6:30pm - 8:30pm Saturday & Sunday from 11:30am - 2:00pm Front Desk help is needed in the main office: Monday through Friday from 9:00am - Noon and from Noon - 4:30pm Filing help is needed Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons from 3:00pm - 5:00pm. Administrative Assistant help is needed in the Shelter Monday through Friday 1:00pm - 4:00pm. Garage Sale workers are needed the 2 nd and 4 th Friday of every month 8:00am - 1:00pm. We are always looking for individuals or groups willing to sponsor a meal. The Homeless Coalition is able to feed 150 people a plentiful, well-balanced meal for a $300 donation.

8 Established in 1989 Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Ft. Myers, FL Permit No. 803 Homeless Coalition P.O. Box Murdock, FL Address Service Requested Please help us to keep you informed and in the loop... Call Tina at (941) Ext 118 or your change of address to This will save us postage fees and will ensure your newsletter arrives on time. Whimsically Elegant Whimsically Elegant To benefit the Homeless Coalition