HOPE 32 AUGUST 2025 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition Summer is here, and with it comes a new season of opportunity at HOPE South Florida. As families prepare for a return to school routines, we’re reminded that stability is the foundation for success, especially for children. But for thousands of families in our community, that foundation is missing. When most people hear the word “homelessness,” they picture someone chronically unhoused — perhaps a man on a park bench or someone panhandling at a traffic light. But the reality we see every day tells a different story. Family homelessness is rising dramatically, and many of the families we serve don’t fit the common stereotype. They’re working parents. Their children go to school. They shop at the same grocery stores as we do. They simply experienced a crisis like a job loss, a medical bill, a rent hike, and suddenly, they’re living in their car or scrambling to find a safe place to sleep. This is situational homelessness — a short-term crisis with long-term consequences. And unless someone steps in quickly, it can spiral into something far more devastating. Preventing families from falling through the cracks At HOPE South Florida, we exist to intercept that spiral. Our mission is to prevent families from falling through the cracks and walk with them toward renewed stability, independence and dignity. That journey starts by recognizing every person as being made in the image of God, deserving of care, opportunity and hope. That hope is not theoretical. It’s practical. It’s the meals we serve, the safe beds we provide, the job leads we share, and the prayers we lift up for each family by name. It’s housing, yes, but it’s also healing, connection and faith in action. It is being the hands and feet of Jesus in our community. This summer, families across Broward County are shopping for school supplies and picking out backpacks. But thousands of local students are facing the school year without a home. Broward County Schools reported over 6,000 students experiencing homelessness during the 2023–2024 school year, and with rising rents and inflation, we expect that number to grow. In fact, recent federal data shows a 40% increase in family homelessness across the U.S. — the largest spike on record. Tara’s story That’s why stories like Tara’s matter so much. Earlier this year, Tara lost her housing unexpectedly. With two young children and no safety net, she turned to HOPE South Florida. Our emergency housing program gave her space to breathe and to rebuild. During her time with us, she completed training to become a Registered Behavior Therapist. Her children are back in school, thriving with the support of a stable environment. Tara’s future looks different now because someone stood in the gap and believed in her. Her story reminds us: education doesn’t start with backpacks and pencils. It starts with stability. A child can’t focus on spelling tests or science projects when they don’t know where they’ll sleep that night. As the Church and broader community, we are uniquely positioned to respond. This is not a need the government alone can solve. It’s a moment for the body of Christ to step in with compassion, action, and presence. At HOPE South Florida, we’re not only meeting needs, we’re building relationships. We’re walking with families through the darkest valleys and celebrating each victory along the way. Every step forward is powered by the generosity and involvement of people like you. This month, I invite you to pray with us for the many children heading back to school without a bed of their own. And I invite you to partner with us by giving, by volunteering, by telling someone about the work we’re doing together. Because HOPE is more than our name. It’s our mission. It’s our movement. And it’s what every child deserves as they open a fresh notebook this fall. Let’s walk into this new season with purpose, and let’s do it together! Celebrating 30 years of impact, HOPE South Florida exists to be a HOPE-filled community—keeping families together, offering compassionate care, and guiding them toward holistic life change. Under the leadership of President Joseph D. Kenner, we remain committed to ending family homelessness in Broward County by building communities that empower families to become resilient and independent. For more information visit HOPESouthFlorida.org Back to School, Back to Stability - Joseph D. Kenner - President, HOPE South Florida
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