Representatives of nearly 60 community organizations, government agencies and the private sector will provide direct assistance to hundreds of Seminole County homeless families on Saturday, November 12, as part of “A Day of Magical Connections”, hosted by Families in Transition, a Seminole County Public Schools nonprofit program that works to protect the rights of homeless students.
The event, expected to attract nearly 400 homeless families from throughout Seminole County, will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Winter Springs High School.
Among the dozens of agencies and organizations that will offer direct services to the families are: Pathways to Home, Harvest Time International, Workforce, 4-C, The Sharing Center, Christian Help, Habitat for Humanity, Seminole County Public Schools, Center for Affordable Housing, Seminole County Bar Association, and Legal Aid Society. The Families in Transition Sports Program also will offer details on sports scholarships for students. An employment seminar will be held as well. The Florida Department of Children & Families will also help families receive food stamps and Medicaid assistance.
All FIT Families will receive a gift card to Publix Super Markets for Thanksgiving from NBA All-Star Dwight Howard’s D12 Foundation, and twenty-five lucky homeless families will receive a new laptop donated through donations to FIT.
While parents are networking with the agencies, almost 1000 homeless students will be treated to an afternoon of entertainment and activities while jamming to the music provided by102 JAMZ on-air talent D-Strong Street Squad’s, Smitchell DJ. Sonny’s Bar-B-Q, The Nutty Bavarian, and Bruster’s Real Ice Cream will provide meals and desserts for the families and volunteers.
The number of families in need of assistance continues to escalate, according to SCPS’ Families in Transition Coordinator Beth Davalos. “This year is no exception. We already have seen a more than 30 percent increase in homeless families from this time last year. One effective way that we can make a difference in Seminole County is to collaborate with our local agencies and the community.”
