Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida

09/10/2026

(1/3) Meet Rosemary and her son Darrian.

When Rosemary fled an unsafe home with her young son, Darrian, there was no time to pack. Seeking refuge, she left without shoes, without her phone, and without knowing where they would sleep that night.

Rosemary moved with her partner of 13 years from Colorado to Kissimmee with their son Darrian. Everything was great, Rosemary recalled, but things quickly became unstable.
Her partner’s drinking became more frequent.

Around September 2025, the situation reached a breaking point. One night after Rosemary returned home from work, an argument escalated into physical violence while Darrian was nearby. Rosemary took her son and fled the house without her phone or even their shoes.

Read how you helped Rosemary and Darrian find home on our website at https://www.centralfloridahomeless.org/choosing-safety-rosemarys-journey-back-home

09/08/2026

Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

According to the Shimberg Center for Housing Studies at the University of Florida, just over one-third of Florida students experiencing homelessness passed state English, Math, and Science assessments during the 2024–2025 school year.

For children experiencing homelessness, instability can extend into the classroom. That’s why access to learning is an important part of the support we provide at the Coalition.

Our certified VPK program gives our youngest guests a consistent place to learn, build early literacy skills, and prepare for kindergarten, all while their families work toward stability.

This International Literacy Day, we’re celebrating the power of learning and the opportunities it can create for every child. 📖💙

09/05/2026

On , we’re celebrating the many ways our community shows up for one another. 💙

Our neighbors at Christian Service Center recently donated much-needed diapers for our preschool and Donation Room, helping ensure families at the Coalition have access to an essential item when they need it most.

Acts of generosity make a meaningful difference for the men, women, and children we serve, and we’re proud to have community partners right next door who continue to support our shared community.

Looking for a way to help, too? Check out our current needs list and see which much-needed items you can donate at our Take Action page at https://www.centralfloridahomeless.org/take-action

09/04/2026

Thirty years on the greens. Million raised. One incredible community behind it all. ⛳💙

This year marks the 𝟯𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗼𝘂𝗴 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗳 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲, celebrating three decades of bringing our community together in support of Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida.

Since 1996, this tournament has helped raise nearly $2 million to support shelter, meals, and programs that help individuals and families experiencing homelessness work toward permanent, stable housing.

Join us as we celebrate 30 years of impact, hope, and home.

📅 Monday, December 7, 2026
📍 Orange Tree Golf Club

Learn more about the Doug Spencer Golf Challenge and explore sponsorship opportunities at Doug Spencer Golf Challenge

09/01/2026

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻? 💙
There are several ways volunteers can give their time and make an impact on our campus:

🍽️ 𝗞𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 – Help prepare and serve meals to our guests.
📦 𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 – Help sort and organize donated items for our Donation Room.
🤝 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 – Support special events and activities happening throughout the year.

Ready to get involved? Learn more about volunteering and sign up today:
https://www.centralfloridahomeless.org/take-action

08/31/2026

A new school year means new opportunities! 📚✏️

We were proud to help local students start the year prepared with back-to-school donations to Jones High School, OCPS Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) K-8, Carver Middle School, and Mollie Ray Elementary School.

From elementary school through high school, these supplies help students walk into the classroom ready to learn, grow, and make the most of the year ahead.

Thank you to everyone who helped make these donations possible, and wishing all Central Florida students a great school year! 💙

08/28/2026

Exciting progress continues for the Foundations Project! 💙

We’re proud to share this latest update as we work toward expanding our ability to serve women and families experiencing homelessness in Central Florida.

Follow the Foundations Project to stay connected as this vision continues to take shape.

🌿Our Outdoor Spaces Series spotlights the multi-sport field this week!

This space brings opportunity for structured recreation, clinics, STEM-based nature lessons, and sports leagues. It will provide a place for our young guests to interact with their peers, build relationships with friends and coaches, and experience the positive physical and mental effects that exercising and being outdoors can have on an individual.

08/28/2026

Tonight's the night! 🍽️✨

Taste! Central Florida returns to the Orlando World Center Marriott, bringing together incredible food, cocktails, live entertainment, and some of Central Florida’s top culinary talent, all for a great cause.

Every ticket helps make an impact right here in our community. Proceeds benefit Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, helping support neighbors across Central Florida.

Make your Friday night count. Come hungry, bring your friends, and Taste! for a cause. 💙

📅 Friday, August 28
📍 Orlando World Center Marriott
🎟️ Get your tickets at TasteCFL.org

08/26/2026

It was great to be among so many community leaders at Mayor Buddy Dyer’s State of the City address! President & CEO Brad Butterstein and Chief Operating Officer Mimi Coenen joined the celebration of City of Orlando staff and heard more about the progress happening across our community.

A special part of the day was catching up with Lisa Portelli, Senior Advisor to the Orlando Mayor for Homelessness and Social Services. Lisa previously worked at the Coalition and has remained a longtime supporter of our mission. 💙

We value opportunities like these to stay connected with the people helping shape a stronger Orlando for all of our neighbors.

08/25/2026

A shared meal is a meaningful way to show care!

Thank you to our friends at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida for joining us on campus and helping serve a meal to our guests.

Because of your help, the men, women, and children we serve experienced a welcoming meal and a meaningful moment of connection. 🍽️