SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Plates piled with breakfast foods filled dozens of hungry stomachs Tuesday morning.
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The Sharing Center in Seminole County hosted its annual Christmas Neighborly Breakfast on its campus in Longwood.
“I look at it as a blessing because some of us don’t get to come out here and use the facilities The Sharing Center has provided,” Robert Williams, a client of the center, said.
He was among the dozens of people who attended the annual breakfast provided by the Comfort Inn and Suites in Sanford. Williams said the holidays are hard for him.
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That’s why Longwood Police, volunteers, and Sharing Center employees rallied around unhoused community members to carol, spread Christmas cheer, and provide a hot meal.
“Finding a job, that’s one of the hardest things with no phone,” Williams said. “Trying to get into shelter and be with my family for Christmas. I just miss my kids.”
The center acknowledges those hardships and provided shower and laundry services to those attending the breakfast. It provides those services year-round as well.
It is the largest and most comprehensive social services hub in Seminole County. It’s a beacon of hope for Rodney Wilson.
“My health all the way to my housing,” Wilson said. “This place is amazing because they’re with you every step of the way. Joy. Graciousness, being grateful for everything that’s coming.”
From financial help to job assistance, to a free food pantry, the center’s COO said the breakfast represents more than just food.
“It’s a chance for us to come together as a community, connect, and remember we’re all stronger when we’re together,” Matt Borchelt, said.
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Last year The Sharing Center served 51,000 clients. It expects to serve nearly 60,000 this year. If you are struggling with poverty or homelessness, you can visit the Longwood campus at 600 North U.S. Highway 17-92, Suite 130, Longwood, FL 32750. Or you can visit the website Longwood & Seminole County Center for Addressing Homelessness & Food Pantry | The Sharing Center.
If you would like to help with services, donations to The Sharing Center through the end of December will be matched up to $370,000, thanks to an anonymous donor.
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