Coalition for the Homeless is the largest residential facility for children in Central Florida. Last fiscal year, we provided nearly 62,000 nights of shelter for children. Nearly one out of every three people we serve is a child, with an average age of seven.

The Coalition has created a wide variety of services for children to meet the needs of the growing number of children who call the Coalition home.

Child Development Program
Founded in 2004, the Child Development Program was created to provide more services to a growing number of children at the Coalition each day. Through a grant by the Dr. Phillips Foundation, a licensed child psychologist was brought on staff.

Every child who comes through the doors of the Coalition is assessed by the child development team. Children participate in play therapy, using specially designed dolls houses, board games and activities.

The child development team also coordinates group sessions for different age groups, and interacts with parents, offering parenting support classes.

Early Childhood Development Center
For parents who are working, looking for work, or attending school, the Early Childhood Development Center is a great resource. This on-site, licensed daycare is available during the day for children between the ages of six weeks and four-years-old.

Utilizing the High Reach curriculum, teachers and staff are able to prepare children for a seamless transition to Head Start, and eventually, elementary school. Children participate in a wide variety of sensory activities – from painting with noodles to working with water. Story time, nap time and lunch are also important parts of the day.

Parents receive a monthly calendar so they can transition the learning into their family time. Parents also volunteer once a month at the school.

Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK)
New in 2008, the Coalition now has a free Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program (VPK) for four-year-old resident children. Certified and monitored by the state Office of Early Learning, VPK provides individual attention through small class sizes and quality education, with an early literacy focus.

Boys & Girls Club
Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida is the only shelter in the nation with an on-site Boys & Girls Club.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America comprises a national network of some 3,700 neighborhood-based facilities annually serving more than 4.4 million children.

Known as “The Positive Place for Kids,” the Clubs provide guidance-oriented character development programs on a daily basis for children 6-18 years old, conducted by a full-time professional staff. Key Boys & Girls Club programs emphasize character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation.

ABCs Program
Art By Coalition Children (ABCs) is a volunteer-based program that pairs professional artists in the community with children living at the Coalition for art classes.

The ABCs program began in October 2003, as collaboration between the Coalition and volunteers representing Central Florida’s art, business and education communities.

Artists work with the kids to create a wide variety of art, from black and white photography, to sculpture and painting.

If you’re a local artist interested in the ABCs program, contact us. Volunteer opportunities are available for artists, or people who just want to lend a helping hand.