Birthday parties and children seem to go together naturally — but some children are in situations in which his or her birthday can be overlooked. That’s where Celebrate Birthdays, a nonprofit organization, comes in. It collaborates with organizations and agencies to find foster kids, other kids with certain needs or kids in clubs, to throw a birthday party for them. Belinda Leto and … [Read more...]
Review board recommends family homeless shelter
The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a program to temporarily house homeless families in a former Boys & Girls Club building. Planning commissioners reached that recommendation during a public hearing on June 6. The Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County wants to operate the temporary shelter on Youth Lane in Port Richey. The coalition also wants to open … [Read more...]
Homeless shelter to help families find housing
A “one-stop navigation center” for the homeless population in Pasco County will provide temporary shelter for families, instead of the initial plan to help single adult men and women. If opened, the center would be Pasco’s first homeless shelter. An estimated $100,000 annual cost for around-the-clock security at the facility and neighborhood opposition to the original plan prompted the shift … [Read more...]
Homeless Coalition CEO understands tough times
Don Anderson, the new chief executive officer for The Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County, doesn’t have to look far to understand what it’s like to experience poverty. “I come from very humble beginnings. My dad didn’t finish eighth grade. My mom didn’t finish high school. He worked three jobs. “We had a hard time keeping a car going, let alone pay the rent every month. “I … [Read more...]
Navigation center gets funds; location upsets residents
Pasco County commissioners agreed to disperse federal funds for a navigation center that will work with the homeless population to find permanent housing, health care and jobs. About $250,000 will be used to remodel the former Boys & Girls Club buildings on Youth Lane in Port Richey. Approximately $70,000 will be used to hire a staff member, possibly a program specialist, for the homeless … [Read more...]
Dade City Youth Council wins statewide photo contest
Reyes Figueroa loves Dade City. And, he appreciates the east Pasco community’s acceptance in celebrating diverse cultures — particularly his Hispanic heritage. Last month, the 17-year-old Pasco High School junior and Dade City Youth Council delegate won first place in the Florida League of Cities’ (FLC) Youth Council Photography Contest. The winning photo, “Cinco De Mayo Parade,” was … [Read more...]