Five years ago, supporters of Camp Haven imagined a means to assist some of Indian River County’s ever growing homeless population. Backed by many in the community, dynamos such as Camp Haven Board President Lalita Janke are determined to make a difference.
“Before we can do anything we have to imagine it,” said Janke, thanking guests at last Thursday’s IMAGiNE Gala at Holy Cross Parish Hall. A committee led by Linda Teetz, Elke Fetterolf, Barbara Petrillo and Carole Casey, worked tirelessly to plan the elegant fundraiser, which featured a delicious sirloin and lobster tail dinner. Guests later got in tune with the band, rocking and dancing to fabulous music by Ryan and the Rockers.
Camp Haven opened its doors to the first group of residents last January. In just one year, 52 men have gone through the program, with 75 percent acquiring jobs. Two are enrolled at Indian River State College, two have attained vocational certificates and three their GEDs.
The need for Camp Haven was brought to the forefront after a series of sweeps in 2010 to roust homeless individuals sleeping in the woods. With the backing of individuals, churches, businesses and non-profit organizations, they eventually purchased and completely renovated the former Citrus Motel on U.S. 1. In addition to shelter, men are given job training, counseling and transportation to employment; ultimately transitioning back into self-sufficiency.
“Camp Haven addresses the long overdue necessity to assist the single men who are homeless,” said Dick Stark, Camp Haven board member and board chairman of the Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council.
Residents must enter, and remain, sober and drug-free, and work with staff and each other to turn their lives around and work toward a better life.
“It gives an opportunity for men to leave their pasts behind, including all of the friends and relationships that brought them down, and develop new relationships that will bring them up,” said Camp Haven board member Jim Schorner. “Our group living facility facilitates this; they’re making new sober friends. That’s the difference.”
“Nobody thought as a child that they would become homeless,” said Janke. “Because of your support, many more men will be helped through their dark days of despair, fear and loneness. Because of your support, families have hope that their sons, fathers and husbands will recover, find their balance and come home to them.”
She gave special thanks to husband Dr. Walter Janke for supporting Camp Haven and, “making it possible for me to find my purpose and live my passion so I can assist others find theirs.”
Guests heard from Chris, a recovering alcoholic and former resident, who is now employed full-time and living on his own.
“Camp Haven provided me with a lot of stability,” he said. “Camp Haven really helped me get my life on track. Each day is a blessing. I owe you a big thank-you for what you’ve done. They’ve got a good group of guys there and they’re really trying. I don’t know where we would be without your support.”
“Camp Haven has been a compliment to Indian River County with respect to homelessness in Indian River County,” said Sheriff Deryl Loar. “We have more than 800 homeless living in Indian River County. We cannot arrest our way out of homelessness, so the relationship we have developed with Camp Haven is tremendous.”
