Causes: Civil Rights, Homeless & Housing, Homeless Shelters, International, Military & Veterans Organizations, Veterans

Mission: Thanks to you, we have reached a 97% success rate in fiscal year 2015-16.Now at 98%Our Mission is to help all in need to the best of our ability. We follow the parable of the Good Samaritan, as there are no requirements for our services. We constantly reinvent the wheel, and adapt quickly to make it work in any situation. The faces of homelessness can change as well as each individual's circumstances. Our founder became homeless himself, and found that traditional shelters were not working, and did not address the needs of the homeless, especially Veterans. This in and of itself was discouraging, as our Veterans fought for the rights of all, not just themselves. The Founder feels that no one should lose those rights by becoming homeless. Many fought and also died for freedom in America. The Mission in Citrus operates on love and a family atmosphere. Veterans, and many others who are homeless are helped regardless of their beliefs or unique situations. Many of the homeless Veterans have given up trusting our society, and have little access to shelter and services in rural settings. Based out of Citrus County, Florida, our program is designed for those who are less than perfect and know it, but want and need health, outreach, spiritual, and social services. We seek to empower homeless Veterans of all ages to meet their own needs. Recognizing the uniqueness, dignity, and value of each person, we accept individuals as they are, in an affirming and compassionate manner, and call upon the larger community to the same mission. The Mission provides basic and self-care supplies, free health care, housing and supportive services for the homeless Veterans that are the hardest to reach, including those who refuse to go into a shelter and live out in the rural wooded areas of our county. The Mission also provides referrals to other community agencies, such as child care providers and legal aid. The Mission in Citrus Inc operates three shelters located in Crystal River, and Inverness, Florida. The Mission In Citrus strives to help all in need - regardless of their faith or lack of. While we encourage, teach, and preach the Gospel, we force it upon no one. It is not a requirement for any of our services. As Founder and Executive Director , I have worked for seven years to improve the help we give to others. That is between God and I. But there are several projects that need to be completed before God takes me home. Most of them concern Veterans, as they are becoming the new face of homelessness each day. In the past two weeks, we have taken in six new Veterans. Not good. I am asking for help in getting them help with disabilities, contacting Congressman, and funding to offer more services. Anyone can visit the shelter at 306 south Park Ave in Inverness at anytime and meet our homeless Veterans. One is a three combat tour Veteran who only gets 30% disability after being shot in the head. It appals me. . Please help. Every little bit counts. God bless

Results: Went from 60 tents to four sheltersOpened a Veterans Shelter on less than $ 5000Operation Mercy Call which uses Jeeps and bikes to access the woods to hand out much needed food and medical supplies, Were awarded over $ 260,000 in grantsWere given over $ 750,000 in in kind donationsHelped over 3600 homeless individuals and families from food to shelter

Target demographics: Homeless Veterans, Homeless men, women, and children

Direct beneficiaries per year: 3600 Veterans, men, women, and children. Over 18,000 bed nights, 75,000 meals, clothing, cars, RVS, campers, and much more. All given out freely.

Geographic areas served: Citrus, Marion, Lake, Levy, Hernando Counties in Florida

Programs: Drug and Alcohol treatment HelpHire the homeless programOperation Mercy CallHomeless Veteran's ShelterDisability ShelterAngels on Wheels