Family Support & Shelter

---

The Mid Florida Homeless Coalition (MFHC) is designated by the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the State of Florida as the lead agency coordinating Citrus, Hernando, Lake and Sumter Counties’ response to homelessness.  MFHC works to prevent households from losing their housing as well as finding housing for homeless individuals and families.  MFHC uses its in-house staff and area charities to address the homeless issue in Citrus County.  Black Diamond Foundation gave an initial grant of $25,000 to MFHC in 2022 to support their Citrus County efforts and looks forward to working with this 501(c)(3) going forward.  Learn more.

The Path of Citrus County provides a safe haven and Christian living environment for homeless / displaced individuals or families seeking to escape abuse, overcome addiction, strengthen family relationships, and learn productive work ethic in order to rebuild their lives and break the cycle of poverty.  Since opening in 2001, The Path has sheltered 1,700 Citrus County men, women and children.  As a complement to its Beverly Hills shelter, the 501 (c) (3) operates two bargain stores and a 15 acre farm yielding 15,000 pounds of produce each year.  Black Diamond Foundation has provided $126,000 in grants to The Path over the past decade.  Learn more.

The Citrus County Family Resource Center supports struggling families and individuals in a variety of ways. This 501 (c)(3) accepts and distributes clothing, household goods and furniture. They provide parent education classes, work experience for handicapped students, medical and dental transportation, and cancer screening.  The Center helps families meet their food needs during the summer months and provides tents to the homeless.  Bicycles are provided to individuals for work transportation.   They provide Christmas gifts to 2,000 children.  Black Diamond Foundation has given more than $80,000 to this charity over the past ten years.  In addition, a number of individuals living in Black Diamond along with the BDLGA have provided direct support to the Resource Center.  

See their web site.

Mission United is a national United Way program administered at the local level to help veterans.  Mission United in Citrus County has a full time Director to connect the veterans to area resources and services to help with various problems.  In addition, Mission United maintains a “Got Your Back Fund” which is a discretionary fund for help with housing, utilities, home repairs, shelter, furnishings, and other needs. Black Diamond Foundation has given $25,000 to the “Got Your Back Fund” in the past four years. Click to see the Mission United web site

Bridge 4 Veterans was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) charity in 2021.  Bridge 4 Veterans operates a shelter for homeless veterans in Inverness.  Its governing board is made up of veterans from a number of Citrus County veterans organizations.  Black Diamond Foundation made its first contribution of $10,000 in 2021 to support renovations and daily operations.

The Education Foundation works with the school system to identify homeless students.  The Black Diamond Foundation provided a $40,000 grant  in 2022 that will allow the Education Foundation to assist homeless families by providing  temporary housing and living expenses.    Learn more.