Walt Disney World Resort Helps the Homeless

As the holiday season got into full swing last month, the Walt Disney World Resort presented a surprise gift of $500,000 to the Homeless Impact Fund at the Central Florida Foundation. The Fund tackles the challenge of chronic and family homelessness through the collaboration of local governments, private foundations, corporations and individuals.

Disney’s donation, which is aimed specifically at family homelessness, supports the organization’s holistic approach to addressing the lack of stable housing, health concerns, food and clothing shortages, and unemployment. Last year, Disney donated more than $4.5 million to 102 local charities, including several that help homeless youth and families including Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, Harbor House and Covenant House among others.

The contribution to the Fund was announced by George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World, as a part of a special performance of the Candlelight Processional at Epcot on Dec. 7. “Every child needs a safe and stable environment in which to learn and grow,” he says. “By coming together as a community in support of the Fund, we connect Central Florida families with resources that help their children thrive.”