In the heart of Central Florida, a beacon of hope has steadily shone for three decades. The Homeless Services Network (HSN) has been a cornerstone in the fight against homelessness, dedicated to providing not just temporary relief but long-term solutions. Their mission is simple yet profound: to transform the lives of the most vulnerable, from military veterans and youth to individuals with disabilities, and those escaping domestic violence or human trafficking. Their vision is a community where homelessness is not an endless cycle but a brief, solvable predicament.
This year, HSN marked its 30th anniversary with a landmark celebration that captured the essence of their unwavering mission. Held on October 27th at the First Baptist Church of Orlando, the event was a profound reflection of the community’s support, with tickets selling out, indicating the high regard in which the organization is held.
One of the highlights of the event was the presence of Gregg Colburn, an esteemed researcher and author of “Homelessness is a Housing Problem.” Colburn’s insights are highly sought after, with his work making waves in prominent publications like The New York Times and The Washington Post. His contribution to the event provided attendees with a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding homelessness and the housing crisis.
Martha Are, President and CEO of Homeless Services Network of Central Florida, said “We’ve been around a long time, and we needed to celebrate the collaboration – all of our partners who work with us – and that we’re housing thousands of people every year.”
Adding to the event’s significance was the introduction of the Thomas C. Chatmon Jr. Community Champion Award, a tribute to the late Thomas Chatmon, a man whose tireless work and dedication left an everlasting impact on the community and HSN. The award aims to celebrate his legacy by recognizing individuals who continue to carry the torch of service with the same fervor.
The award went to Eric Camarillo, founder of SALT Outreach — Service and Love Together. He launched the organization in 2011 with the help of a few close friends and, for most of its first decade, an all-volunteer workforce that is now in the hundreds. Eric has been an extraordinary and devoted partner with the Homeless Services Network – and a true champion for this community.
Eric has walked the walk. At 19, living in Chicago and trying to build a career in the financial services sector — mortgages, mutual funds, life insurance – he found himself broke, living out of his car, washing himself and his clothes in 7-Eleven restrooms. If he could scrounge up a dollar, he’d order a slice of bread at a Panera, load it with as much free butter as possible, and fold it in half for a sandwich. Eric has never forgotten what that time in his life felt like. And though he can afford more than a slice of bread for a meal these days, he frequently sacrifices his own comfort to help others.
The sold-out crowd was also inspired by hearing from Jermaine Taylor. Taylor was a starting guard for the University of Central Florida basketball team before being selected with the 32nd overall pick in the 2009 NBA draft by the Washington Wizards, and soon after traded to the Houston Rockets. Jermaine shared his strength and vulnerability with the audience in his acceptance speech as he shared about his experiencing homelessness.
HSN was delighted to have the event hosted by Scott Maxwell, an award-winning columnist known for his wit and humor, ensuring the event was not only informative but also enjoyable.
In a powerful show of solidarity, Mayor Buddy Dyer and Mayor Jerry Demings contributed to the event with a pre-event video, underscoring the importance of community leaders in supporting such vital causes. Their physical presence at the event further reinforced their commitment to HSN’s mission.
This 30th-anniversary celebration was not just about looking back at the years of service and success but also about forging ahead with renewed resolve. It was a moment to come together, to acknowledge the strides made, and to revitalize efforts for a future where homelessness is a rare occurrence.
For those inspired by HSN’s mission and wishing to learn more or contribute, further details are available on their website at www.hsncfl.org. Here’s to many more years of impactful work and to a community that stands together in the face of adversity. The event was produced, by Posh Able Events, where Anything is Posh Able.
