Local Issues: Commission assembles their team to end homelessness

A ten year plan to ending homelessness in Orlando, FL and all Central Florida will only be as powerful as the commitment of those involved. Yes, it is not a difficult task to getting people with power committed to helping fulfill a ten year plan. However, will this collection of community leaders stay focused, and most importantly committed when thing get hard, plans don’t work out, when difficult challenges arise over and over again. What is their breaking point? Are they just committed for a resume builder or are they committed to the plan until it’s over? Will they commit to just 10 years or more then 10 years if it takes a few more years?

It is great to see that the Central Florida homeless commission is assembling a great team of community business leaders such as “Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton, Darden Restaurants CEO Clarence Otis and the Orlando Magic's chief operating officer, Alex Martins, along with Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer” (Orlando Sentinel February 14, 2008). We must all be positive and hope that these business leaders are there for all the right reasons, and make sure the plan gets implemented until complete.

The "10-year-plan" to end homelessness, a mantra embraced in more than 300 U.S.
communities, shouldn't give the commission a false sense that there's plenty of
time to get things done. A sense of urgency -- and first-year accomplishments --
is critical.
Yes, the group of commission members from Central Florida's
political, business and social-services circle is impressive, but it's important
that they stay fully engaged. - Orlando
Sentinel February 16, 2008 --> Full Article

There are many local grassroots organizations that must learn from ten year plans such as this one, and combine together. With organizations like Rock for Hunger, Hope Foundation, Home Sweet Homeless, Food Not Bombs, Parramore Kids Zone, and even the bigger organizations like Lakeside Alternatives, Coalition for the Homeless, Center for Drug Free Living, and many more partnering together they can help enforce that ten year plan, and perhaps get the job done even sooner. This ten year plan is going to take a community effort. The goal of the plan is not to see who gets the most glory out of this the goal of the plan is to end homelessness. It is not going to be an easy task. However, research shows that it is possible with teamwork, and commitment from the people who can make a difference. I challenge all the local organizations, local business leaders, and all other members in the community to reach out to each other and partner together to help end homelessness, poverty, and work together as one to help make the world a better place with music and peace!

I wish you all an awesome day!

“First it is necessary to stand on your own two feet. But the minute a man finds himself in that position, the next thing he should do is reach out his arms.” – Kirsten Hunter