news release
On any given night, roughly three quarters of a million individuals experience homelessness, driven heavily by a severe shortage of affordable housing and stagnant wages relative to rising rent costs. Nearly a half million people are living in emergency shelters or transitional housing, and approximately a quarter million live on the street, in vehicles, or in places not meant for habitation. And while those numbers have grown with the population of Florida, for nearly three decades what has also grown are the commitment and services provided by the Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council.
The Council brings together community partners, local governments, businesses, faith-based organizations, healthcare providers, and volunteers to help resolve emergency crises and ensure that individuals and families experiencing housing instability have access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to regain stability and independence. Veterans Point Place, a project dedicated to providing housing and supportive services for veterans who have experienced homelessness is one of the crown jewels of the Homeless Service Council’s tireless efforts, and the special additional October Dyer Difference Award and $3,000 check from Dyer Mazda celebrates this and all the strides being made by the organization.
One of the many causes of homelessness is mental health issues that go unchecked or unaddressed, but in Indian River County, there are many options available to help, too. The Mental Health Association in Indian River County has a Walk-In & Counseling Center where anyone can walk in without an appointment and receive a free health screening. There is also a Parent and Child Center, providing free health services to children, teens, and families. And services are always free for children and veterans. Last year, nearly 1,500 individuals took advantage of these services with nearly 10,000 visits, and that doesn’t even count the number of free support groups, Academic Skill-Building sessions, and school programs offered. The staff at Dyer recognizes the equal importance of both physical and mental health, and this month’s Dyer Difference Award in Indian River County helps support the efforts of the Mental Health Association in its continued efforts to ensure everyone’s access to mental health care throughout all year long.
Another cause of homelessness and mental health issues that is often not discussed is sexual assault and violence. The Inner Truth Project in Port St. Lucie, offers outreach to the community and services to survivors of sexual violence, allowing them to bravely share their truth in a safe environment and build emotional strength, hope, health, and wellbeing. Since its inception in 2012, the Inner Truth Project has been committed to changing the conversation and eliminating the shame and secrecy of sexual abuse, violence or rape. All of us at Dyer also support the Inner Truth’s mission and belief that speaking our truth in a safe, accepting and healing environment is the first step on our journey forward. That’s why our committee selected the group to celebrate with its October Dyer Difference Award in St. Lucie County.
The Dyer Difference Award is all about celebrating the beauty and kindness in our midst. For the Dyer family and the members of the Dyer staff, the award and the typical $6,000 in donations made monthly between the St. Lucie and Indian River Counties are all about helping to make a positive difference in the community. This month’s additional award from Dyer Mazda adds $3,000 more to help local organizations do good in the community. For the recipients, it’s an acknowledgement of their tireless efforts to do the same and a much-needed financial boost to help further their missions. If you’d like to nominate a non-profit organization for the Dyer Difference Award, please visit http://www.dyerdifference.org or find Dyer Difference on Facebook.
