In the fall of 2013, Sonya Roberts and her two children lost their home unexpectedly. Facing homelessness, they were forced to move to a hotel. The only one they could afford was a 40-minute drive from school, and the daily trips back and forth proved to be untenable. Desperate, Sonya turned to Heart of Florida United Way for help. As it has done for the past 75 years, the organization responded, giving Sonya and her family a roof over their heads, food on their plates, and a helping hand to get back on their feet.
Every day, Heart of Florida United Way helps hundreds of people just like Sonya, connecting them with the resources they need to recover and survive. Additionally, United Way funds programs focused on prevention in hopes of getting upstream on issues like hunger and homelessness. As the largest funder of health and human services in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties, the non-profit serves as the bridge to 70 partner agencies – including Second Harvest Food Bank, Boys and Girls Clubs, and the Salvation Army – that provide food assistance, mentorship, healthcare and financial stability services. Through collective impact, United Way serves more than 400,000 people a year or nearly 1,100 people every day here in Central Florida.
None of this, of course, would be possible without support from individuals and businesses that donate countless dollars, hours and resources. More than $500 million has been raised since 1939, funds that come directly from people like you.
When you give, advocate or volunteer on behalf of Heart of Florida United Way, you help create powerful change. And when we come together as a community, we can dramatically affect the lives of thousands of our neighbors in need. How You Can Help: Give: Every dollar you invest makes a difference in the lives of local people who desperately need help. Every $1 invested in prevention saves $7 on intervention. Advocate: Lend your voice to champion the cause and raise awareness around important issues. Volunteer: Donate your time and help mobilize the caring power of our community.