Blog

Building Community Through Pathways Drop In Center

Published: 17 May 2023

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and this year’s theme is #MoreThanEnough. Our goal at Pathways is to show all of our members that they are more than enough with services meant to encourage dignity and community like meals, showers, laundry and group activities.

Celebrating Culinary Graduates

Published: 15 May 2023

The Pathlight Kitchen Culinary Program began in 2014 and continues to provide students with the skills and certifications needed to find employment in the culinary industry.

Volunteer Spotlight: Aimie Hok

Published: 21 April 2023

“I love that Pathlight is like a family, and the leadership is always appreciative of your time,” Aimie says. “They show gratitude and take time to get to know each volunteer. You matter here.”

Volunteer Spotlight: Jessica Peck

Published: 18 April 2023

“There’s something beautiful about helping others,” says Jessica Peck, a volunteer at Pathlight HOME. 

Honoring the Women Who Serve

Published: 07 March 2023

Pathlight HOME Team Members Share What Motivates them On International Women’s Day

Pathlight HOME Names Babette Allen Chief Executive Officer

Photo of Babette Allen, Executive Director of Operations at Pathlight HOME
Published: 17 February 2023

“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.”

A New Beginning

Published: 10 February 2023

“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.”

Community Partner Spotlight: Orlando Magic Day of Service

Published: 25 January 2023

“Everybody can be great because everybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.

Pathlight Seasons 2022: Housewarming Celebration

Published: 23 December 2022

“We’re so thankful to the community for their support in helping us make this celebration even more meaningful to our residents,” said Babette Allen, president of Pathlight HOME. “It takes time to rebuild, and this is just one way we can share our compassion and care for the people we serve each day.”

An Opportunity to Grow!

Published: 21 June 2022

“God gave me this opportunity,” says Tameka. “I needed a skill…I needed a win…and before I even finished class, I got a job at a 5-Star Hotel that has a lot of restaurants!”

They Change People’s Lives Here…

Published: 12 May 2022

“They change people’s lives here, one life at a time,” says Carolyn. “People here spread faith by showing love and helping.”

Pathlight HOME Receives 2022 Florida Blue Sapphire Award

Published: 06 May 2022

Pathlight HOME is selected as first place in the organization category at Florida Blue's 2022 Blue Sapphire Awards Ceremony with an award of $100,000.

Pathlight HOME Receives 2022 Community Impact Award

Published: 04 May 2022

Pathlight HOME, an innovator in supportive housing and vocational training, today received a three-year, $200,000 Community Impact Grant from AdventHealth.

I’m a Better Person Now

Published: 25 March 2022

“I’m a better person now… [the class] made me step up in who I was..."

International Women’s Week 2022

Published: 04 March 2022

The week of March 8, 2022 is #InternationalWomensWeek and an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women. As an organization whose Co-Founder/CEO and President are both women, we are excited to honor the week by spotlighting five of the capable, caring and hard-working #WomenBehindPathlightHOME.

Black History Month Spotlight – Fernando Beaubrun

Published: 07 February 2022

Fernando knew from his early career days in Homestead, Florida that he wanted to “help people have better lives.” As one of the first-ever employees of our Employment Center, this warm and experienced professional has helped lead the charge to provide job search resources to the community.

It’s a Pathway to Life!

Published: 22 December 2021

“It’s a pathway to life,” says Alphonso. “People just need to apply themselves. It changed my life tremendously.”

An Awesome Experience

Published: 24 June 2021

“I feel great, wonderful…I achieved my goal of learning more about the kitchen..."

A Positive Attitude

Published: 10 May 2021

”Pathlight HOME is a good place to stay because they help you get on your feet and lead you in the right direction…the right way to go about doing things,”

Volunteer Appreciation Week: Remembering Brian S.

Salvation Army Sergeant-Major and former Pathlight HOME resident Brian S.
Published: 24 April 2021

This year Pathlight HOME would like to recognize volunteer Brian S. as a leader with high spirits on a mission to help.

The Women Behind Pathlight HOME

The Women Behind Pathlight HOME
Published: 11 March 2021

We are excited to honor #WomensHistoryMonth, by spotlighting some of the dedicated #WomenBehindPathlightHOME. In no way are we discounting our male colleagues; but with 70% of our team being women, we thought this a perfect opportunity to focus on an unsung woman from each department.

Celebrating Pathlight HOME’s 29th Anniversary

Published: 08 March 2021

It all started in 1991 when a local Reverend and Attorney discovered that they had the same dream of housing Orlando's homeless. By 1992, Grand Avenue Economic Community Development Corp. (AKA Pathlight HOME) was incorporated with a HUD Grant Application submitted to house 100 homeless persons. Almost 29 years and 7,000 homeless housed later, we are proud to say that we are "Still Dreaming". Join us in celebrating 29 years this April 1st!

Resident Update: James’s Story

Resident Update: James Story
Published: 02 March 2021

We love the opportunity to provide our supporters an update on residents about whom we’ve posted via Pathlight HOME’s blog and social media. How are they doing now? Are they still progressing along the path from homelessness to a changed life? What does that look like?

Black History Month Spotlight – Armando Pinder

armando maxwell
Published: 22 February 2021

Armando’s smile and laugh can be heard throughout Pathlight HOME’s Maxwell Terrace complex each day as he keeps the apartments in tip-top shape for residents.

Fare Start Catalyst Kitchen Grant

Fare Catalyst Kitchen Grant
Published: 17 February 2021

Meals and a Silver Lining…Thanks to FareStart’s Catalyst Kitchens The aroma in Pathlight Kitchen is mouthwatering. It wafts behind the carts delivering the freshly prepared, healthy meals to the residents in the three Pathlight HOME Permanent Supportive Housing Programs, who now call one of two transformed hotels home. Once living in the streets, woods, and shelters […]

Meet Jennifer

jenny b blog image
Published: 26 January 2021

From Homeless to Housed…and Very at HOME!When you hear about someone whose life changed for the better with help from a nonprofit organization, do you ever wonder if they stayed on that upward path? Perhaps they were once homeless, then provided a permanent place to live and supportive services to help them change their life. […]

Meet Yvonne

Yvonne Blog size
Published: 27 December 2020

"They give you things you need that you can’t afford...I got towels, hygiene items, a hair dryer, a can opener and even a green vase that matches my green pillow!”

Meet Regina

Meet regina
Published: 30 November 2020

“I came in and met Miss Clarissa,” she remembers. “She just took me right in, like an angel. She saw my pain and helped me get out of the situation.”

Meet Gilberto

meet gilberto
Published: 02 October 2020

With his unemployment checks, guidance from Syr (his case manager) and anticipated return to work Aug 31, he is making it through this extra-tough period. “She’s the difference here,” he said. "She gives everything of herself to try to help you."

Welcome Home Virtual Tour

welcome home tour
Published: 23 September 2020

Curious about Pathlight HOME? Join our first lunch and learn. We'll go through our mission, our impact, and how you can help your community.

Meet DeAngela

deangela
Published: 04 September 2020

Realizing this was not how she wanted to live, yet being fearful there would not be affordable housing for her, she started to pray. “I’m a religious person…God showed me a sign. He led me in the direction to take that big step.”

Giving Tuesday Now — A Wonderful Success

GivingTuesdayNow-Blog
Published: 08 June 2020

Thanks to you, we’ve seen tears of joy and smiles of gratitude recently in our Maxwell Terrace and Maxwell Garden lobbies, along with the masks and social distancing practices.

Giving Tuesday Now

Giving Tuesday Now Blog Banner
Published: 04 May 2020

Today is #GivingTuesdayNow and we thought it was the perfect time to show you – through the eyes of our staff - how your generosity truly helps those who once lived on the streets.

Catalyst Kitchen Gifts Students with Financial Assistance

givingtuesdaynow and catalyst kitchen pathlight kitchen
Published: 22 April 2020

Catalyst Kitchens contacted us to gift several students and alumni with $500 each from the #GiveTogetherNow Campaign, to offset financial burdens related to the pandemic.

Meet Mark

Mark stands in front of his affordable housing for chronically homeless people in Orlando at Maxwell Terrace
Published: 11 April 2020

Mark looks at his transformation as a big puzzle, where all the pieces must be in place. “I’m not losing any of the pieces of that puzzle. As long as I keep doing the right thing, I get the right result. And it makes me feel good.”

Second Place Winner of Best Places to Work Multifamily for Women

Staff members at Pathlight HOME gather to celebrate winning second place in the Best Places to Work for Nonprofit Multifamily Affordable Housing
Published: 10 April 2020

The caring work that the women – and men – of Pathlight HOME do to help change the lives of our formerly homeless residents was recognized as #2 of 25 in the National Best Places to Work Multifamily® for Women!

Meet James

Formerly Homeless Pathlight HOME Client James Shares His Experience of Homelessness in Orlando
Published: 05 March 2020

"If it happened to me, it can happen to anyone,” says James as he recounts his story. “Just because I was homeless doesn’t mean I wasn’t a successful individual at some point.”

Meet Amey

Formerly Homeless Pathlight HOME Client Amey Discusses Homelessness in Orlando
Published: 19 February 2020

Born to drug-addicted parents and put to bed in a closet, Amey entered the foster care system at the age of five and was adopted at eight, only to be “returned” to foster care at 13.

Honoring Rev. Maxwell’s Legacy

Reverend Fred Maxwell co-founded Pathlight HOME in 1990 to serve the homeless in Orlando
Published: 28 January 2020

Rev. Maxwell passed away almost 15 years ago, and we still miss him – but we are proud that his legacy lives on at Pathlight HOME every day and that his impact continues long past his death.

Meet Deborah

Pathlight Kitchen Graduate Deborah at Lucky's Market Orlando
Published: 22 July 2019

What started as something to “teach me more about cooking,” turned into much more. “I was around people who really cared and I was given an opportunity to succeed in something I always wanted to do.”

Meet Brian

Salvation Army Sergeant-Major and former Pathlight HOME resident Brian S.
Published: 25 June 2019

“I needed something better,” he recalls, so in 2008 Brian moved to permanent housing at Pathlight HOME’s Maxwell Terrace Apartments. “It’s a good way of appreciating your own place…my own bed, a roll-top desk, a better way of life.”

Meet Charleen

Pathlight HOME resident and Sobik's Subs employee Charleen tells her story about homelessness and addiction in Florida
Published: 05 June 2019

“I was a damsel in distress,” she laments, yet knew, “God hasn’t failed me yet! [...] I truly consider myself blessed. I’m happier and more content (than ever.) If I was to fail…it will be because of me – not the rain or because I missed the bus.”

Meet Mary Ann

Formerly Homeless Pathlight HOME Resident Mary Ann Tells Her Homelessness Story
Published: 29 May 2019

“I like it here. I’ve met better friends!” In particular, Mary Ann appreciates the neighbor who is happy to help her when needed and is grateful for her Case Manager, Syr Rodriguez. “She got me a replacement Medicaid Card!”

Meet Mark

Formerly homeless resident Mark found a new sense of security in the Restore program at Pathlight HOME in Orlando
Published: 30 April 2019

“One thing that keeps me grounded here is that I’ve done nothing to be given this chance. I haven’t earned this. Other people have made it possible for me to live, not just survive,” he explains.

Meet Glen

Formerly Homeless in Orlando, Glen found a new sense of stability at Pathlight HOME
Published: 09 April 2019

“I started to depend on myself, instead of others. If I can be independent, others can. You have a case manager to help. They can give you that step, but you need to use that stone.”

Meet Rosa and Kim

Free Culinary Training Program Rosa and Kim Share Their Pathlight Kitchen Experience
Published: 03 April 2019

“Pathlight has been a total blessing. 360 degrees to make sure we succeed, so there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be successful,” states Rosa. They are excited at the concept of developing their “signature sauce”!

Meet Deborah

Fomerly homeless in Orlando, Deborah now lives at Pathlight HOME
Published: 20 March 2019

After almost four years in her homey first floor efficiency, she reflects, “Someone can come here and get on their feet. It made me feel good about myself. It’s here for the taking…if you want it.”

Meet Lawrence

Lawrence, a formerly homeless resident of Pathlight HOME, shares his story of addiction and recovery
Published: 26 February 2019

“My childhood was fun, my middle age was darkness and I’m back to enjoying life,” says Lawrence. A stroke, heart attack and diabetes survivor, he’s proud and grateful to be “clean from drugs for more than 10 years.”

Meet J’Herica

J'Herica was homeless in Orlando for many years, but found stable low-income housing at Pathlight HOME
Published: 20 February 2019

For J'Herica, the light at the end of the tunnel will come when she can reunify with her children. Now that she lives stably at Pathlight HOME and works part-time in guest services, she believes this is possible.

Meet Kenneth

Maxwell Terrace Resident Kenneth found stable low-income housing in Orlando to help him get back on his feet
Published: 06 February 2019

No matter his daily saga, Kenneth is positive. “I’m just working to right my wrongs. What you’ve been through doesn’t make you what you are now. If you want [to be] better, there’s work you can do to make you better.”

Meet Misty

Misty found affordable housing in Orlando at Pathlight HOME
Published: 28 January 2019

One’s life can go downhill in an instant, despite a college education, their creative talents, a new job...or all three. The true measure of a person is their fortitude, tenacity and willingness to do what they must to climb back.

Meet Luiz

Luiz enrolled in Pathlight Kitchen's free Culinary Training Program in search of new job opportunities
Published: 17 January 2019

"I wish more people would find this opportunity. What a great opportunity here; there’s great structure… In Brazil, this would be an expensive school. Learning to cook only improves your life!"

Meet Stephen

Stephen and his cat found affordable housing for formerly homeless people at Pathlight HOME
Published: 11 December 2018

Stephen learned at a young age the feelings of hurt, distrust and anger, all of which shaped his turbulent life. “I’ve been a survivor all my life,” he says. “If you don’t have survival skills, you’re not going to make it!”

Meet Craig

Craig experienced anxiety and bipolar disorder and homelessness in Orlando before moving in at Pathlight HOME
Published: 24 October 2018

“I’m really so grateful for this apartment. It’s SO much more than I could ever hope for,” he says. “It’s given me a base where I feel comfortable…and have a safe home to come home to!”

Meet Barbara

Barbara enrolled in the Pathlight Kitchen Culinary Training Program and became the manager of Sobik's Subs Cafe on Orange Blossom Trail Orlando
Published: 09 October 2018

When asked what she recommends to someone considering taking Pathlight Kitchen’s 12-week Culinary Training Program, she says to go for it! “If you are interested in a culinary career, it’s a great foundation. It opens many doors.”

Inside Pathlight Kitchen’s Culinary Training Program

Graduates of the free Culinary Training Program at Pathlight Kitchen celebrate the completion of their 12-week course in cooking and hospitality management
Published: 02 October 2018

Pathlight Kitchen students have worked hard in the classroom and our commercial kitchen to complete a comprehensive culinary skills course. Their studies culminated in the day’s graduation ceremony.

Meet Wilhelmina

Formerly chronically homeless resident Wilhelmina found security and affordable housing at Pathlight HOME
Published: 17 September 2018

Wilhelmina moved into Maxwell Garden Apartments in 2013 as part of the Safe Haven Program for chronically homeless, disabled adults. “It was a fresh start,” she says. “I have a personal room, privacy… You can’t beat that!”

Meet Tinker

Tinker.Permanent_Supportive_Housing.jpg
Published: 27 August 2018

“This is how I know God’s there every step of the way…,” Tinker says today. “To have the AC on and to go to bed at night…I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be alive if I was living on the streets.”

Meet Allen

Maxwell Garden resident Allen found permanent supportive affordable housing at Pathlight HOME
Published: 14 August 2018

“I’m still getting used to it. I have a new bed, a rug; I’ve been buying stuff,” he says cheerfully. “I want it to look good! There’s a sense of pride. The opportunity is there, but you’ve got to want it.”

Meet John

John, a resident of the permanent supportive housing program at Pathlight HOME, in his affordable apartment
Published: 25 June 2018

“Be happy you have a place, because you never know when you won’t… You guys have done an amazing job by taking an old motel and making it nice and clean. You have made it…to where it can be called an apartment complex.”

Meet Jennifer

Jennifer, a resident of the Pathlight HOME affordable efficiency apartments, with the blanket she knitted for her son
Published: 18 May 2018

“They helped me in a lot of different ways…I was able to take care of my health; they made sure I took my meds. Now I’m okay and watch the clock (myself). I am able to relax and be at home…be safe.”

Pathlight HOME Awarded $10K TD Charitable Foundation Grant for Homeless Housing Program

Pathlight HOME Awarded $10K TD Charitable Foundation Grant for Homeless Housing Program
Published: 15 May 2018

Pathlight HOME, Central Florida's first and largest provider of the "Housing First" approach to helping homeless men and women rejoin the community, has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the TD Charitable Foundation.

New Coat of Color Dazzles!

Orlando volunteers help to paint Maxwell Garden, affordable low-income efficiency apartments for former chronically homeless men and women
Published: 01 May 2018

Spring is the perfect time to splash a new coat of color on your home! And that’s what nearly 100 volunteers, staff, and residents did for the formerly homeless men and women who now live in Maxwell Terrace Apartments.

A $750 Reality Check

disability income quiz
Published: 17 April 2018

Suppose life hit you in the face and you found yourself living on $750 per month. Could you do it? Could you pay for the necessities, much less a few frills? How would you budget?

Social Enterprise – Sobik’s Subs with a Special Ingredient

Barbara and a Sobik's Subs Cafe employee help to create a sandwich for an Orlando customer
Published: 12 April 2018

The Sobik’s Subs location at 4049 S. Orange Blossom Trail, in front of Maxwell Garden Apartments, offers up an extra-special ingredient to go with its fresh sandwiches and salads!

Fact Friday – Fair market value rent

Pathlight HOME Affordable Housing for Former Chronically Homeless and Disabled in Orlando
Published: 15 March 2018

There is currently NO STATE in the nation where a minimum wage job will pay the rent of an apartment at fair market value. Pathlight HOME exists to offer affordable housing for the vulnerable in our community.

Fact Friday – Homeless youth

Pathlight HOME Affordable Housing for Former Chronically Homeless and Disabled in Orlando
Published: 14 February 2018

Did you know that *18 percent* of the nation’s homeless youth are located in Florida?

Fact Friday – Affordable housing units

Pathlight HOME Affordable Housing for Former Chronically Homeless and Disabled in Orlando
Published: 14 February 2018

There is only ONE affordable rental unit available for every FIVE extremely low-income Florida households!

Fact Friday – Increase in homeless youth

Pathlight HOME Affordable Housing for Former Chronically Homeless and Disabled in Orlando
Published: 26 January 2018

Between 2006 and 2013, the number of homeless youth increased by 80% nationally; in the state of Florida, it spiked by 150%!

Fact Friday – Florida homeless population

Pathlight HOME Affordable Housing for Former Chronically Homeless and Disabled in Orlando
Published: 19 January 2018

Did you know that the homeless population of Florida is the THIRD LARGEST in the nation?

Bites Camera ACTION!

Bites Camera Action food delivery truck from Second Harvest Food Bank and the Universal Orlando Foundation
Published: 12 January 2018

THANK YOU to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida & Universal Orlando Foundation for bringing fresh produce like broccoli, melons, & apples to Pathlight HOME this week!

Empowering the Faith to Trust

Empowering the Faith to Trust
Published: 27 June 2017

Brian and Mary are homeless and live, at the moment, in a tent in some Orlando woods. They are also both mentally ill.

Karen Bono Special to the Sentinel

Karen Bono Special to the Sentinel
Published: 04 August 2009

I feel angry and ashamed at our lack of humanitarian consciousness, especially after meeting a mentally ill member of our community who has struggled to make a difference.

One big step toward a home for the homeless

One big step toward a home for the homeless
Published: 23 July 2009

East Orlando group wins grant for a homeless drop-in center.

Pathways Drop-In Center for the Mentally Ill

Pathways Drop-In Center for the Mentally Ill
Published: 28 May 2008

Jeff is homeless and stays at a makeshift “home” in an empty field under a Verizon Wireless billboard.

Lessons in reality, fairness…..

Lessons in reality, fairness…..
Published: 01 May 2001

Lesson in reality, fairness a passionate advocate for mental-health treatment, Nelson Kull uses his background as a paranoid schizophrenic to bring about change.

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