We told you HERE that United Against Poverty Orlando (Website) needed some major help following a massive roof leak that led to a partial roof collapse in late June. Well it seems they got the help they needed because repairs finally started earlier this week.
The organization received a flood of major gifts from Walt Disney World, KPMG, Central Florida Foundation, Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation, Orlando Health, AdventHealth, the Joe and Sarah Galloway Foundation, and Dr. Phillips Charities.
Summer rains destroyed the roof over the non-profit’s busiest service area, the Life Enrichment Center, which served as a walk-in crisis intake center and onsite medical clinic. It was forced to close to the public for the repairs, with staff trying to accommodate the needs of its visitors in smaller volunteer and classroom areas on campus.
“The partial shutdown comes at a time when Central Florida is seeing a surge in the number of people facing homelessness. Our intake center aided close to 8,500 people last year and we have seen a 30% increase in the first half of 2024” says Anjali Vaya, Executive Director of United Against Poverty – Orlando. “Closing down is not an option.”
While making a presentation to the leadership of AdventHealth just days after the ceiling collapse and partial closure, executive director Anjali Vaya got emotional as she shared the current situation. She was immediately offered support and a substantial donation. On returning to her office, she received a call from Disney’s Corporate Social Responsibility team and was told they were sending a large contribution. A challenge grant from the Central Florida Foundation followed, along with a host of commitments from community partners, businesses, and philanthropic foundations. In less than four weeks, UP Orlando has received enough funding to begin the repair, which will bring them back to full operations, and they are confident they will raise the remaining funds.