For 30 years, the Homeless Services Network has been at the forefront of helping people experiencing homelessness in Central Florida. As the organiztioon is marking this milestone, they are not just celebrating our victories; but launching a crucial dialogue about the current state of homelessness — and how we can create a community where homelessness is rare and brief. A 30th Anniversaray event “Homeward” will be held on October 27, 2023 from 11am to 1pm.
Scott Maxwell hosts this special event at the First Baptist Church of Orlando (3000 South John Yong Parkway). Attendees will hear from one of the nation’s leading authorities on the causes of homelessness and why it’s rising across the country. Author Gregg Colburn shares provocative evidence for his acclaimed book, “Homelessness is a Housing Problem,” which has captured attention from The New York Times, the Washington Post, and The Atlantic, among others.
Witness the presentation of the inaugural Thomas C. Chatmon Jr. Community Champion Award and pay tribute to the organization’s beloved leader, who died of cancer this July. Mr. Chatmon served on the board of directors for the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida from 2016 until 2022, including serving as the board’s chairman for two years.
As we reflect on three decades of tireless service and unwavering dedication to the homeless community by the Homeless Services Network, it becomes evident how monumental this 30th-anniversary celebration truly is. It’s not merely an event; it’s a testament to humanity’s capacity to make a change and extend a hand to those in need. With Scott Maxwell steering the event, insights from author Gregg Colburn, and a tribute to the irreplaceable Mr. Thomas C. Chatmon Jr., “Homeward” promises to be both educational and heartwarming. So, let us come together on October 27, not just as spectators but as a community.
Grab your tickets, share the word, and let’s gather to cherish the past, understand the present, and hope for a future where every individual has a place to call home. Sponsorship and Ticket Sales – are crucial to the continuation of this important work.