At HOPE South Florida, we believe that when a community comes together, lives are changed. That’s not just a slogan — it’s our reality, and it’s rooted in Scripture. From the very beginning, God designed us for relationship. But when relationships fracture, when systems fail, when crises arise, the result is more than just disruption — it can be devastating. What you may not know is that the number one cause of homelessness is not caused by substance abuse or mental illness; it’s a profound and catastrophic loss of community. When someone loses their job, faces domestic abuse, or can’t make rent due to a health emergency, what they need more than anything is someone to stand in the gap with them. That’s where you come in. People embody HOPE This month, we want to spotlight several people — friends, partners and supporters — who embody the heart of our mission. People who aren’t just giving, but building. People who are creating the hope-filled community we talk about in our vision. Take Sam, for example. He’s just 17 years old but already understands what it means to step up. During one of our emergency cold weather shelter nights in February, Sam met a family in crisis. They had nowhere to go. Most would have offered a smile and moved on. But not Sam. He rallied his friends, shared their story and raised enough money to cover that family’s move-in costs. Today, they have a home because one young man believed that he could make a difference — and then did. Sam didn’t wait until he had more time, more money or more influence. He acted. And in doing so, he reminded us all that hope is not passive. It’s active. It’s faith in motion. We see that same spirit in leaders like Brian Checcio, Executive Pastor at The Church by the Sea, who shared: “Our partnership with HOPE has opened our eyes to just how many families in our community can find themselves homeless as a result of a simple setback. HOPE South Florida, motivated by the love of Jesus, stands in the gap.” We see it in Andrew Holmes, President of 4KIDS, who said, “Our partnership with HOPE reinvigorates a fresh hope to see something divine in our region.” And we hear it in Stephan Tchividjian, President of NCF South Florida and member of our board, who called HOPE’s faithfulness “contagious.” These individuals, churches and organizations are all part of something bigger than themselves. They are part of building a hope-filled community that restores dignity, provides stability and walks with families toward lasting independence. You see, our mission is not just to offer housing — it’s to rebuild what was lost. It’s to remind every mother, father and child that they are seen, loved and not alone. In Broward County, more than 300 people are sleeping in their vehicles. But that number only scratches the surface. We estimate there may be twice as many families living unseen, doing homework in parking lots, brushing their teeth at gas station sinks, unsure where they’ll sleep tonight. We exist for them. At HOPE South Florida, our calling is to keep families together, provide compassionate care and guide each household toward holistic life change. That’s what a hope-filled community looks like. It’s not charity — it’s transformation. And it doesn’t happen without you. Every act of generosity, whether through a monthly gift, an in-kind donation or volunteering your time, helps build a stronger foundation for the families we serve. Your support fuels meals served, jobs secured, safe places to sleep and prayers prayed over families as they begin again. You might not see yourself as a leader or change-maker, but if you’ve ever wondered whether your gift matters — Sam’s story is your answer. If you’ve ever doubted whether churches and businesses can shift the trajectory of homelessness — Brian, Andrew and Stephan are your answer. And if you’ve ever questioned whether community really makes a difference — our entire mission is your answer. So I’ll leave you with this: Where do you fit in this story? We’ve recently rolled out a Giving Pathway to help you identify your place. Whether you’re a Friend of HOPE making your first gift, an Anchor of HOPE giving monthly, a Builder of HOPE providing consistent support, a Champion of HOPE using your influence to advocate and fundraise, a Guardian of HOPE making major contributions, or part of our Legacy of HOPE through planned giving — each role is essential. Together, we can ensure that every family in Broward County has not just a place to sleep — but a place to belong. Together, we are building HOPE. 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 HOPE 52 SEPTEMBER 2025 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition Building HOPE: Where do you fit in this story? - Joseph D. Kenner - President, HOPE South Florida
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