ORLANDO, Fla. – Staff with SALT Outreach and people experiencing homelessness in downtown Orlando couldn’t be happier.
“We were planning to suspend some of our services here in downtown this past Monday. Thanks to this $300,000 gift from the Big Nova Foundation, we’re able to continue services as is,” said Salt Outreach Inc. Executive Director Eric Camarillo.
The major donation comes after the annual COVID Funding the organization received since 2020 stopped and another annual donation from an anonymous donor was delayed; leaving them with a $600,000 deficit.
“The government can’t do it all by themselves. The need is just growing so quickly in our area that we need organizations like SALT and other places to be there and support these people,” said Big Nova Foundation Executive Director Sarah Asma.
Many, like Donnell Coleman who’s experiencing homelessness because he can’t afford housing on his fixed income, need SALT’s services to survive.
“We getting plenty of rain. Some people have to bring clothes back just to rewash them. It’s terrible. It’s mildew and out there you need clean clothes,” Coleman said.
“I know this is your first year operating. Do you all have $300,000 just lying around? Not exactly. My family owned a business in Florida for 60 years. My dad sold that business last year and we used the proceeds to fund the foundation,” Asma said.
Asma said once she learned about SALT Outreach’s trouble, Big Nova decided to lend a hand.
Camarillo said after seeing News 6′s story earlier this month, dozens are stepping up.
“Last week we had 66 new donors to SALT Outreach. That’s one of our biggest weeks in new people giving,” Camarillo said.
SALT is not out of the woods yet. Camarillo is hoping to raise $500,000 so they can continue their efforts next year.
If you text “Summer SALT” to 44321 you’ll receive a link to donate to SALT Outreach Inc.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: