Homelessness is a tough philanthropic sell, particularly as it relates to homeless men.
But thanks to visionaries such as Camp Haven board president/executive director Lalita Janke, the late Richard Stark, longtime board chairman of the Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council, and the backing of caring individuals, church groups, businesses and other nonprofits, some Indian River County single homeless men are being afforded a second chance at life.
Supporters of Camp Haven gathered for a lovely Diamond in the Rough Gala last Thursday evening at the Bent Pine Golf Club to benefit the organization. Guests enjoyed a delightful dinner, dancing to the band Ryan and the Rockers and, as a special treat, a performance by inspirational gospel singer Wintley Phipps. Phipps is founder of the US Dream Academy, which tutors and mentors the children of parents who are in prison.
“You all understand that in saving others, you save yourself,” said Phipps, whose richly powerful baritone captivated the audience.
“If it weren’t for your compassionate hearts, we would not have Camp Haven. Eighty men have gone through our doors and we thank you,” Janke said to the 120 guests, adding that the organization receives no local, state or federal funding.
The former Citrus Motel on U. S. 1 has become a true haven for these “diamonds in the rough.” The men are given job training, counseling, transportation to employment and an opportunity to turn their lives around. Residents come from all walks of life, and for a variety of reasons have made poor choices or suffered misfortune that negatively affected their existence. Guests heard from two Camp Haven residents whose lives were transformed with assistance from the caring staff and fellow residents.
“Camp Haven is an opportunity for people who have fallen through the cracks and are struggling in life,” said one man, who previously struggled with alcoholism. Now married and employed at a Fortune 500 company, he added, “They’re down on their luck, and Camp Haven helps them get back on their feet through education and finding jobs. It helps gets them out of the woods so they can reintegrate back into society.”
“One of the main things that I learned was that I was not the sum of my bad choices,” said another Camp Haven graduate, who has since started his own company. He credited Janke and the other staff members, the supporters and also the other Camp Haven residents for their genuine caring and support. “Because people are there for different reasons, we help each other; it’s a community. I still occasionally go for their meetings. Every area of my life has been blessed beyond what I deserved.”