Kay Freeman, Big Bend Homeless Coalition
Nominated by Howard Shapiro, Shapiro Insurance, Inc. / Brown & Brown of Florida, Inc.
Homelessness in
Tallahassee, Fla.
- Over 1,000 people are estimated to be homeless everyday in the Big Bend area
- 32% of the homeless population have some college education or a degree
- Factors contributing to homelessness in the area include:
- Lack of Affordable Housing
- Unemployment/
Underemployment
- Family breakdown
- Lack of public transportation
Every year 3,000 to 4,000 people experience homelessness in Tallahassee, Fla. For Kay Freeman that number was too high, and she knew something had to be done. Having worked for non-profits her entire career, 10 years ago Kay began pursuing her true passion: putting an end to homelessness.
Kay helped get the Big Bend Homeless Coalition off the ground, growing it from its humble beginnings of a one-woman organization, to more than 30 employees. Today, the Coalition oversees more than 50 agencies and organizations that serve the homeless in an eight-county area.
The Big Bend Homeless Coalition facilitates the delivery of services to homeless families and individuals by providing education, advocacy and the coordination of community resources.
Under Kay’s thoughtful leadership, the Coalition helps homeless individuals and families as well as people at risk of homelessness. Together with other community partners, the Coalition facilitates emergency and transitional housing, meals, job training and education, day care and medical care.
“Kay is one of those rare individuals that like to give more than take,” said Howard Shapiro of Shapiro Insurance, Inc. who nominated her for the Champions award. “She has devoted her entire life to the betterment of the Tallahassee community.”
For more information, visit www.bigbendhc.org/.