The Faces
of  The Homeless Coalition

The Charlotte County
Homeless Coalition
Preventing Homelessness and Hunger Since 1989
(941) 627-4313
P.O. Box 380157
Murdock, FL 33938
A HARBOR STYLE Magazine Special Section
PRESENTED BY KOCH & COMPANY CPA’S

The Story of The Coalition

The Charlotte County Homeless Coalition was founded in 1989 by residents who wanted to help feed our county’s homeless population. They worked out of a car until 1998, when they were finally able to rent a small storefront to carry on their mission.

In July 2003, a fire completely destroyed the Coalition’s store. While some groups may have been defeated, the Coalition used this tragic event to raise awareness of Charlotte County’s homeless problem. The community’s response was overwhelming and enough money was raised to build The Genesis Center, a place for the Coalition to provide counseling services, operate their food pantry and serve hot meals.

After Hurricane Charley, the Coalition received recovery funds that were used to purchase additional properties, expand upon existing services and provide new ones. The Coalition was also able to purchase and renovate two shelters, one for pregnant homeless women and one for homeless women with young children.

While the Coalition has been blessed with additional facilities, it now faces the challenge of raising the funds necessary to operate these buildings and programs. With the downturn in the current economy and the increase in the public’s need for their services, the Coalition is facing the greatest challenge in its history.

As a result, the Charlotte Foundation for Prevention of Hunger and Homelessness was founded in 2008 with the sole purpose of raising funds and promoting awareness of the Coalition’s mission to prevent homelessness and hunger. After five years as the President of the Coalition, Rex Koch now serves as Chairman of the Foundation.

Introducing Rebecca Foote

Rebecca Foote is the new Executive Director of the Charlotte County Homeless Coalition. She replaces Connie Thrasher, who retired after five years of dedicated service.

Foote’s experience includes time as a Volunteer Coordinator in a large mental health center and many years as Director of an alcohol and drug treatment and prevention center. Most recently, Foote served as Executive Director of the United Methodist Neighborhood Centers in Memphis, Tenn., an agency with programs similar to the Coalition.

“I am so impressed with all of the resources available to our neighbors in need in Charlotte County,” she said. “There is such a positive energy here, and that is absolutely refreshing.

Chara House

The Genesis Chara House opened in June 2006 with funds from the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program. Chara House provides mothers and their children a safe and nurturing place to live while assisting them with long-term goals to hopefully prevent homelessness in the future.

The Chara House can accommodate up to 14 mothers. Since opening, approximately 65 mothers and their children have received housing and supportive services within its walls.

All potential residents are referred through the Charlotte County Healthy Start Coalition for screening and intake. New residents are then accepted into the Chara House on a 30-day probationary status. During this assessment phase, residents become acquainted with the program, allowing both the staff and resident to determine if the program is a viable option for their family.

The next phases include life styles, education, parenting, financial planning, nutrition, counseling and career and educational development. Residents are expected either to seek employment or work towards obtaining a G.E.D. if they do not have a high school diploma. High school graduates are provided the opportunity for further education through the Charlotte Technical Center, Edison Community College and other secondary institutions, including online programs.

Outside agencies that provide integral services include The Career and Service Center; The Academy; Florida Department of Children and Families; Charlotte County Health Department; Healthy Families of Charlotte County, a Charlotte Behavioral Health Care program; and Charlotte County Department of Transportation.

One Woman’s Story Teresa Holland

Current Resident and Recent Graduate

I have been in the Coalition’s program for over a year now. When I was 10 weeks pregnant, I moved into Bishop House. It was nothing like I expected. I found a second home there. My daughter, Sophia, is now seven months old, and we have transitioned to Chara House.

Living in Chara House has been a great experience for us. I have made many friends. The staff helped me become successful by encouraging me to stay in school. I would not be a high school graduate today if it wasn’t for living here. I would have had to quit school and get a job in order to support my child without the advantage of an education. When I needed anything for Sophia, the staff was there for me. I have a good job now because the people at Chara have worked with me on so many levels.

I am very thankful for this program. I feel very lucky to have had the chance to make my dreams come true, and Chara House is what gives me the chance to pursue them and someday become independent.

Teresa Holland, a current resident, graduated from The Academy in May 2008 and will begin college next semester.

What Does the Coalition Do? So Much!

Many people do not realize the number of services, programs and facilities
Charlotte County Homeless Coalition provides for our community:

• Genesis Center provides case management to link the homeless with supportive services, a food pantry, vouchers for clothing via Goodwill and many other services.
• Genesis Lighthouse Kitchen serves hot meals seven nights a week and offers to-go breakfast and lunch for the homeless.
• Genesis Bishop House provides a safe living and nurturing environment for homeless pregnant women to learn about parenting and other life skills.
• Genesis Chara House is a shared housing environment for homeless women and young children that promotes
  education and job training for the residents’ eventual transition to permanent housing.
• Genesis Safe House, completed in June 2008, is a 52-bed facility, including four family units.
• Douglas Road Homes are four houses that provide transitional housing for low income families.

The Women of Chara House

Over the past two years, we have witnessed such an outpouring of love and support. The girls have been impacted by so much love and kindness, people giving of themselves, their gifts, their time and more. I pray it will continue for the good of our county’s future. We do our best to give them what they need to succeed. I personally have seen some very heart warming transitions take place, and it is so very heartwarming. Isn’t that our goal? – Diane Martin

Jacquie Stevens, Program Director

Jacquie Stevens helps residents balance their educational, parenting and financial responsibilities. “Even though financial aid is available to these mothers,” she explained, “they still face challenges to purchase necessary items such as a laptop computer and school supplies. That’s one of the places donations from the community would be welcome.”

Diane Martin, LPN

Diane Martin monitors the resident’s health and well-being. “As a nurse,” she stated, “my main focus is the health and well being of the residents, both physical and emotional. I also focus on guiding them to become self sufficient and able to care for themselves and their children.”

Cheryl Crimu, Residential Life Counselor

Cheryl Crimu assists each resident accomplish her personal goals. “I feel that these women are very courageous,” she said. “Even though some may enter due to a homeless or crisis situation, they stay and become active in the program because they truly want a better life for themselves and their children.”

Donor Testimonials

Steve Vito and Family

Breaking the cycle of poverty in our society is a monumental task. Organizations like Charlotte County Homeless Coalition recommit every day to leading this charge. Our family is proud to stand with our neighbors and friends for such a noble cause.

Peter Taylor and Family

We are privileged and honored that the local community has supported our business, which in turn allows us to give back to the Charlotte County Homeless Coalition and other worthy organizations in our community over the past 28 years.

Rex Koch and Family

Rex Koch and Family I am often asked the question, “How can I become more involved and vital in my community?” The answer is simple. Give of yourself. Your reward will be many-fold, and the immeasurable satisfaction of giving comes with sharing in the joy of the receiver.

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