We are proud to announce that Babette Allen has been named the new chief executive officer (CEO) of Pathlight HOME. Babette has served as president since 2020, and has been with the organization for more than 16 years. Helaine Blum, our co-founder, and who has spent more than 30 years serving the homeless in our community, will serve as president emeritus. 

“Babette’s passion and extensive experience serving the unhoused in our community makes her the perfect leader for Pathlight HOME,” said Larri Thatcher, board chair of Pathlight HOME. “With thousands of individuals experiencing homelessness in our community, the importance of our work is even greater and Babette will help guide Pathlight into the future.”

Since joining Pathlight in 2007, Babette has helped spearhead a number of service expansions, including the opening of an employment resource center and the acquisition of Pathways Drop-In Center, a respite center that primarily focuses on the underserved who have a mental illness. 

“I’m thankful to our board for trusting me to carry out the legacy of what Reverend Fred Maxwell and Helaine Blum created more than 30 years ago to address this need in our community,” said Allen. “We’ve long recognized that housing is only the first step to addressing homelessness, and in the coming months, I’m excited to share what we have on the horizon to better serve our clients and our community.”

Pathlight HOME is Central Florida's first and largest provider of the housing first model. Each year, the organization houses more than 600 men and women, while also connecting its clients to career training opportunities, a food pantry and various community resources. To learn more about how you can support Pathlight HOME, visit https://pathlighthome.org.

After a stroke left Scott unable to keep his job, he was suddenly faced with years of homelessness – living on and off the streets and unable to find stable housing. 

When he could find the money, he would rent a room at an area motel. But most days, he found himself at a bus station, a train station or the pavement. 

However, in late 2022, Scott’s journey to permanent housing began when he reached out to Orange County Government for help. Within days, the County connected Scott to one of our case managers who quickly worked alongside Scott to find a solution to his situation. 

Thanks to the support of the County and the Homeless Service Network, Scott is now a resident at Maxwell Garden Apartments, and part of our Home for New Beginnings (HNB) program, which provides a permanent supportive home to adults who have a disability. As part of the program, rent for residents does not exceed more than 30 percent of their income. 

“The team at Pathlight HOME are so dedicated to their clients,” shares Scott. “If you’re willing to put in the work, they are with you along the way.”

Scott's journey serves as a heartwarming reminder that, with the right support and determination, anyone can overcome the challenges they face and find a new beginning.

Learn more about how you can help others take the first step toward a safe, dignified home.