011526 HomelessChildrensFoundation 10th JoshuaKodis 005 — PHOTO BY JOSHUA KODIS

Members of the Windsor community and supporters of the Homeless Children’s Foundation gathered at the Windsor Clubhouse to celebrate the nonprofit’s 10th anniversary. The frigid weather that evening was a stark reminder of how homeless children in our community, including those sleeping in cars, are affected.

Guests, layered against the dropping temperatures, met outdoors for cocktails and a round of glow golf chipping and putting, followed by a lovely family-style dinner.

The evening began with opening remarks from board member Mark Stephan, who candidly admitted that he hadn’t been aware of the scope of the local homeless situation. He recounted a pivotal conversation with a friend who urged him to visit the Walmart parking lot on State Road 60 at night to see for himself.

Stephan said he was astonished by the number of children he saw, as their parents worked to arrange spaces for them to sleep in their cars in the parking lot. That same evening, he stopped at the CVS near the Wabasso bridge and stumbled upon a family living in the storage room.

The HCF began a decade ago as a grassroots effort by founders Vin Ryan and Carla Meyer to help approximately 20 to 25 children. It has grown exponentially in response to the ever-increasing need in our community, serving 515 children in 2024.

According to the Community Needs Assessment published by the Indian River Community Foundation, there were 655 homeless children in 2025, a 15 percent increase over the 2024 count. That number is expected to continue to rise due to unresolved housing affordability issues.

Hannah Hite, HCF executive director, challenged the stereotypical visuals associated with homelessness, noting that the “invisible” homeless are often working parents, babies, toddlers and victims of domestic abuse.

“Have you ever had to choose between paying water or electric and weighing the late fees?” Hite asked. “Have you ever had to go weeks eating bread and peanut butter or ramen noodles because you couldn’t afford anything else?”

After viewing a brief video showcasing how the HCF assists families dealing with these types of hardships and more, one mother (Mel) stepped off the screen. She gave an emotional testimonial about how she and her children became homeless after she escaped an abusive relationship.

“I decided I was done. My kids and I were homeless, and I wanted help. It takes a lot to say I need help, but I wanted to be strong and independent,” shared Mel.

Through HCF, Mel’s children were enrolled in camp and sailing programs, giving her the opportunity to rebuild her career. Mel is now employed at Cleveland Clinic and has been abuse-free for four years.

The foundation funds summer camps, afterschool care and extracurricular activities, such as sailing and track, to give these children a sense of normalcy, while enabling their parents to work and secure housing.

Auctioneer John Moore led a call to the heart, noting that $2,000 supports one child for a year. After a bevy of pledges, Moore announced a matching grant for a last round of pledges. In total, the commitments made will cover approximately 40 percent of the foundation’s annual budget.

For more information, visit hcfirc.com.

Photos by Joshua Kodis