Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Neal.
Anthony, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I believe in giving back… It was my grandmother who instilled in me this spirit of giving back. As a young boy, I spent many days with her as she picked up donations and distributed them to church members and members of her community. That’s what first inspired me. As I grew-up, I realized that “Homelessness” takes different forms for so many reasons – a prolonged illness, loss of a job, etc. Homeless Hearts takes pride in operating in a spirit of compassion to restore hope and make an impact – one person at a time. We aim to provide food relief to not only the homeless but also the hardworking, low-income individuals and families.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
God has been good to us. Many opportunities have been presented to us to be able to do what we do. We have partnered with other non-profit organizations whose services work hand in hand with our mission. We have been able to have events that consisted of a massive giveaway of nutritious food, clothing, cosmetics, toiletries, showers, haircuts, spiritual guidance, counseling, job training programs and housing alternatives.
There is still some work to be done. One main struggle is that our financial contributions have been limited to donations from supporters like close friends, family and some partners. Our next course of action is to explore the benefit of approaching notable local businesses and individuals who understand the benefits of partnership and collaboration so assist us financially as we aim to improve the lives of families.
Please tell us about Homeless Hearts Food International.
Homeless Hearts Food International is a 501C3 faith-based Non-Profit organization that operates in a spirit of compassion to restore hope and make an impact in our world. We provide food relief, housing assistance and mentoring to those hardworking individuals and families with financial emergencies caused by long term illness, lay-off or major adversity outside of their control. We have events for food giveaway, clothing, cosmetics, toiletries. In addition, we give away school supplies and offer prayer as needed.
I am most proud of the Homeless Hearts team. They are dedicated and hard-working and it is a shared passion to give back to those less fortunate. It is also close to my heart, the help with providing to single mothers and their kids and especially the school supply give-aways. Each of the team has young people in their lives and appreciate the struggles and are passionate to help. We provide assistance to the local community, regardless of the income range, ethnic backgrounds and gender. What sets us apart is that God has allowed us to make a “big” impact on a huge economic problem. We are able to go into local neighborhoods and meet the core need of the people. We are not afraid to go into the “trenches.”
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Here are on of our major partners:
• Wayne Barton of WAYNE BARTON STUDY CENTER
• Changing Lives, Boca Raton
• Oceanside Church, Boca Raton
• PROJECT CARE – A sister organization of Homeless Hearts from Vidalia, Georgia
• Dr. Arthur Kanev of Homeless Hearts, Harbour View House, and The Sanctuary Church
Contact Info:
- Address: 1400 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
- Website: https://www.homelessheartsfood.com/
- Phone: 561 809 4749
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @HomelessHeartsFood
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homelessheartsfood/
Image Credit:
Tiffany Patterson
Photo With Love by Denise Philip
Suggest a story: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
