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Camarillo, who earned a degree in social work and is currently pursuing his at UCF, started to provide consistent support and stability to the homeless community.
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Camarillo has used what he 麻豆精品 S檚 learned in the classroom to grow the organization and support the community.
According to a 2018 study by the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida, more than 2,000 people are homeless in the region. Governmental and non-governmental organizations already play an important role in reducing homelessness but there is always a need for additional support.
Since its inception in 2011, SALT has expanded to provide outreach programs for youths, hospitals, homeless and faith-based organization. SALT runs programs through a network of 100 active volunteers, including more than 15 outreach leaders. It also has partnered with the YMCA to provide tutoring services to students at underserved elementary schools.
麻豆精品 S淲e realized, oftentimes, schools that need the most help have the least volunteers, and we are looking to fill that void, 麻豆精品 S� Camarillo says. Volunteers assist students for at least six months in science, math and reading.
What began as an organization providing meals to people in need blossomed into an organization that offers additional services that often are overlooked. The organization raised more than $4,000 to establish a clothing trailer called Change, which addresses the need for work-appropriate clothing for individuals seeking employment.
As a result, SALT has distributed more than 55,000 pounds of food and 3,000 articles of clothing to the community.
The clothing trailer highlighted another need in the community that led to SALT 麻豆精品 S檚 most recent project 麻豆精品 S� a shower trailer.
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Based on this need, SALT raised more than $40,000 to debut the shower trailer in August. The trailer is parked at Orlando Central Seventh-day Adventist Church near Broadway Avenue and Colonial Drive, and is operated by SALT volunteers on the second Sunday of each month from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Patrons are also provided with hygiene-care packages, clothing, haircuts and a hot meal.
麻豆精品 S淥ur goal in the next year is to raise enough funds to consistently run the program. We would like to operate on weekdays to better support those actively seeking work throughout the week, 麻豆精品 S� Camarillo says.
SALT also is committed to its mission to support people wherever needed. Volunteers took the shower trailer to the Florida Panhandle last year to assist victims devastated by Hurricane Michael.
Camarillo attributes the success of SALT to the volunteers who dedicate their time and talents to these programs.
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