Dave's House

Dave's House Our mission is to transform lives and give hope to people with serious mental illness through the creation of stable homes that provide lasting recovery.

Visit www.daveshouse.org

We are so excited that Jonathan and Nancy Wolf, of Wendover Housing Partners will be the honorees of the 2026 Dr. Joel C...
26/05/2026

We are so excited that Jonathan and Nancy Wolf, of Wendover Housing Partners will be the honorees of the 2026 Dr. Joel C. Hunter Legacy Award, presented at Dave’s House Party: BUILT TO LAST on September 19th.

Jonathan and Nancy are remarkable leaders whose vision, generosity, and commitment to creating housing opportunities have strengthened countless lives across Central Florida. Through their leadership, service, and passion for building stronger communities, they continue to create lasting impact and open doors to opportunity for so many. Their longstanding commitment to stable housing is foundational to well-being and plays a critical role in strengthening lives and communities - and is at the heart of the purpose of the award.

And to Dr. Hunter, thank you for your continued belief in our mission and your unwavering support of Dave’s House and the work still ahead. ❤️

Shown here with Dave's House CEO, Ellen O'Connor, Jonathan and Nancy Wolf and Dr. Joel Hunter.

We’re incredibly grateful to the BIG NOVA Foundation for their generous investment in Dave’s House and for their continu...
19/05/2026

We’re incredibly grateful to the BIG NOVA Foundation for their generous investment in Dave’s House and for their continued commitment to strengthening communities across Central Florida.
Recently, Sally Moore, Sarah Asma, and Michael Trees from the BIG NOVA Foundation visited the Sanford LaunchPad to learn more about the growing vision for Dave’s House and the impact of the new Community Care Navigator position which they have so generously funded. Based at the LaunchPad in Sanford, this role will help connect Dave's House at Celery residents and community members to critical resources, support services, and pathways toward long-term stability and wellness.

As Sarah Asma of the BIG NOVA Foundation shared:
“Dave’s House is creating a model that goes beyond housing, one that surrounds individuals with the support and connection they need to truly thrive. We’re proud to invest in a solution that strengthens people and communities for the long term.”

Dave’s House Board Members "sharing their why" - Stories, experiences, and deeply personal connections that inspire th...
19/05/2026

Dave’s House Board Members "sharing their why" - Stories, experiences, and deeply personal connections that inspire them to champion the Dave's House mission (providing permanent supportive housing for adults with serious mental illness).

Board Member, Mark Coleman: "I grew up with a parent with a severe mental illness. My wife and I have also personally witnessed the negative impact that severe mental illness has brought to numerous friends, neighbors, and family. I feel that my heart has at least an idea of what our residents and their families go through on a day-to-day basis.

In late 2021, one of my best friends and his wife suggested that I fill a void and consider joining the Board of Dave’s House as Treasurer. I did my due diligence and decided this was a time in my life, using my professional skills, to give back to society. My efforts to help Dave’s House grow and expand its mission remain very fulfilling. The Board and our CEO, Ellen O’Connor, have made great strides in growing our impact on mental illness and homelessness in Central Florida. Our current project on Celery Avenue in Sanford is just the initial step in this process. I look forward to continuing my role as a member of the Board and the satisfaction it brings."

Mark - We thank you for your honesty, compassion, and leadership.

Dave’s House Party is back — and this year’s theme says it all: BUILT TO LAST. 🏗️For nearly two decades, Dave’s House ha...
18/05/2026

Dave’s House Party is back — and this year’s theme says it all: BUILT TO LAST. 🏗️

For nearly two decades, Dave’s House has provided permanent supportive housing for adults living with serious mental illness, proving that when housing and care are aligned, lives are transformed. Now, with the expansion of Dave’s House at Celery in Sanford, the next chapter begins.

Join us on September 19, 2026, at the Sheraton Orlando North for an unforgettable evening featuring inspiring stories, community champions, incredible cuisine, and a shared commitment to building something that lasts. Because real change isn’t temporary. It’s built through vision, partnership, and people who care.

Tickets and Sponsorships
https://www.daveshouse.org/daves-house-party-built-to-last

A Season of Growth—and Real Progress at Dave’s House -- A message from our CEO, Ellen O'ConnorSpring is in the air—and s...
14/05/2026

A Season of Growth—and Real Progress at Dave’s House -- A message from our CEO, Ellen O'Connor

Spring is in the air—and so is a renewed sense of momentum at Dave’s House. So far this year, we’ve taken meaningful steps forward in bringing our vision to life. We officially cut the ribbon on our Sanford LaunchPad—establishing a presence just down the street from where our future community will rise—and have since received well over $1 million in additional community support to help fuel Dave’s House at Celery, our first multi-unit supportive housing neighborhood.

In the months ahead, our community will begin to see visible progress at the property as we prepare for demolition and the start of site work—an exciting step toward making this vision a reality. At the same time, we are continuing to explore new ways to support local families navigating the challenges of serious mental illness, expanding our impact even before the community is built.

None of this happens alone. It is guided by dedicated leadership, strengthened through partnership, and fueled by a community that believes stable housing changes lives.

"Thank you to Dr. Beena Parikh and the Parikh Giving Alliance for hosting yesterday's Collaboration Circle: Home is Heal...
13/05/2026

"Thank you to Dr. Beena Parikh and the Parikh Giving Alliance for hosting yesterday's Collaboration Circle: Home is Healing: Where Housing Meets Mental Health. Grateful to be part of this important conversation exploring how housing stability and mental health are deeply connected." Ellen O'Connor Dave's House CEO

Ellen spoke along side, Lisa Portelli (Senior Advisor to Orlando Mayor for Homelessness and Social Services, City of Orlando) and ​Marni Stahlman (President/CEO - Mental Health Association of Central Florida).

These conversations matter because behind every policy, program, and partnership are real people working toward stability, dignity, wellness, and hope. Thank you to everyone who joined us and to the Parikh Giving Alliance for continuing to create spaces that bring leaders together around meaningful community issues during .

https://www.parikhgivingalliance.org/home-is-healing

A heartfelt thank you to Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation for sponsoring Dave's House April Board Meeting at “The Edyth”...
12/05/2026

A heartfelt thank you to Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation for sponsoring Dave's House April Board Meeting at “The Edyth” in Winter Park.

Our board gatherings are an important time to reconnect, exchange ideas, strengthen relationships, and continue fueling the vision for the work ahead. There was something especially inspiring about coming together in a space designed to support philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and community impact across Central Florida.

We’re grateful for the hospitality, the thoughtful environment, and the ongoing investment The Edyth continues to make in organizations working to strengthen our community.

Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation

Showing Up for Mental Health: More Good Days, Together -- Mental health continues to be one of the most pressing challe...
11/05/2026

Showing Up for Mental Health: More Good Days, Together -- Mental health continues to be one of the most pressing challenges facing communities today. Across the country—and here in Central Florida—individuals and families are navigating barriers to care, connection, and stability. Each May, Mental Health Awareness Month, led nationally by Mental Health America, brings a shared focus to these realities while also pointing toward progress. This year’s theme, “More Good Days, Together,” reflects the importance of meeting people where they are, supporting individual journeys, and creating the conditions for more positive, stable days over time.

At Dave’s House, we are proud to be part of that conversation. We are a small but mighty team and Dave’s House, and we are full force this mental health awareness month with a exciting line up of experiences and events across Central Florida

Check out what we're working on this month...
https://www.daveshouse.org/daves-house-blog/showing-up-for-mental-health-more-good-days-together

Mental Health Association of Central Florida NAMI Central Florida Blue Project Parikh Group Tuition

Together We are NAMI WALKS -- There is something especially moving about seeing a community show up, step by step, for o...
09/05/2026

Together We are NAMI WALKS -- There is something especially moving about seeing a community show up, step by step, for one another—and the NAMI Walk was exactly that kind of moment. It wasn’t just a walk, it was a powerful expression of support, hope, and shared commitment to mental health. On May 2, we were proud to be part of the NAMIWalks Central Florida, led by National Alliance on Mental Illness. Surrounded by advocates, families, and organizations from across Central Florida, the day was filled with connection, encouragement, and a collective reminder that no one has to navigate their mental health journey alone. Moments like these matter. They bring visibility, reduce stigma, and reinforce that together, we are building a more compassionate and supportive community for all.

At Dave’s House, we know one thing to be true—home is healing.Our CEO, Ellen O’Connor, will be joining an important conv...
05/05/2026

At Dave’s House, we know one thing to be true—home is healing.

Our CEO, Ellen O’Connor, will be joining an important conversation during as part of the Parikh Giving Alliance Collaboration Circle:

Home is Healing: Where Housing Meets Mental Health - May 12 - zoom at noon

This conversation brings together leaders across healthcare and community services to explore how stable housing and mental health support must work together to create lasting outcomes. Ellen will be on the panel with:
Lisa Portelli, Senior Advisor to the Orlando Mayor for Homelessness and Social Services, City of Orlando
Dr. Kara Boyer, Associate Chief of Staff, Mental Health Service, VA Orlando Healthcare
Beena M. Parikh, PhD, Co-Founder, Parikh Giving Alliance

Ellen will share how Dave’s House is building permanent supportive housing for adults living with serious mental illness—because a safe, stable home isn’t just shelter… it’s the foundation for recovery and long-term stability.

“When housing and support come together, lives change. We see it every day, home creates the space for healing to begin.” — Ellen O’Connor, CEO, Dave’s House

Join us for this meaningful conversation and be part of the movement to build solutions that truly last.

https://www.parikhgivingalliance.org/home-is-healing

Address


Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Dave's House posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Dave's House:

Shortcuts

  • Want your organization to be the top-listed Government Service?

Share