HEP Celebrates 35th Anniversary And Founder's 80th Birthday

Clearwater FL

16 August, 2021

10:05 AM

Description

CLEARWATER, FL – The Homeless Empowerment Program (HEP), a nonprofit whose mission is to end the cycle of homelessness since 1986, announces the celebration of its founder, Barb Green's, 80th birthday and the organization's 35th anniversary. The festivities will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 18, at 9:30 a.m. on HEP's campus for a special gift presentation from the city of Clearwater and commemorative Jolley Trolley tour of the 8-acre shelter. HEP founder Barbara Green has dedicated the majority of her life to serving the very low-income and homeless population in Pinellas County. The organization grew from the mission of Everybody's Tabernacle Church in Clearwater, where her late husband, the Rev. Otis C. Green, was the pastor. Together, the Greens created HEP and started their work serving individuals and families who turned to the organization for help out of their own backyard. Thirty-five years later, the 8-acre campus now provides support services to hundreds of individuals, families and veterans each year. Barb's service to the community began back in the late '70s where she marched for change and began helping her neighbors in need. She would never take sole recognition for the incredible work she has done in the community, stating "HEP is what it is today because of the thousands of friends, family members and supporters who helped the organization grow, not the work of one woman." "In the many decades that I've known Barb, I have witnessed her impact on this community first hand. Her compassion, and wit, are at the core of her success in changing so many lives that have passed through HEP's doors. I am honored to be a part of such a joyous and deserving celebration," said Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard. As part of the celebration for these milestones, HEP is also hosting a virtual birthday fundraiser with a goal of $80,000 by Aug. 18, in honor of Barb's 80 years. Every dollar raised will benefit HEP programs and continue Barb's vision she set into motion 35 years ago, to end the cycle of homelessness. A $40,000 matching gift has been pledged by HEP board members and staff to help reach the $80,000 goal. To learn more about Barb's 80th birthday and HEP's 35th anniversary celebration, contact HEP marketing doordinator, Megan Risser, at 727.442.9041, ext. 110, or [email protected]. HEP is the most comprehensive social service agency in the Tampa Bay area, offering an integrated solution to the issue of homelessness by providing low-income families and individuals, including veterans, with housing, food, clothing and support services necessary to obtain self-sufficiency and improved quality of life. As part of its mission, HEP operates a 353-bed facility, offering emergency, transitional and permanent housing to the temporarily homeless and mentally disabled individuals, families with children and veterans. Through housing and critical support services, HEP empowers its residents and helps to break the cycle of homelessness. Click here to donate to the $80,000 birthday celebration fund.