NON-PROFIT CENTRAL FLORIDA
A GUIDE TO NON-PROFITS WITH MISSIONS RELATED TO POVERTY AND HOMELESSNESS
Donald Whitehead
COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
DIRECTOR OF MEN'S SERVICES
What is the population you help?
We help people experiencing homelessness and the general public. We help the general public in an indirect way because helping the homeless have a place to live and getting them out of the streets is beneficial to society.
Did you have to have a specific degree for this position?
For this position, it is best if you have your master's degree. However there are many entry-level positions that do not require a degree. The higher you get in management, the higher degree required.
How did you get involved in this non-profit field?
I visited many countries while I was in the Navy. I saw abject poverty and it changed my feelings about me as a person after seeing how bad poverty is in other places. I felt like I had to make a change and after experiencing homelessness myself, I saw the other side.
Do you have advice for being successful in this profession?
Being innovative, keep ideas fresh, and be resilient. Funding for the non-profit world is a constant challenge, so be willing to expect disappointment. Being resilient in this field can ensure your success and longevity.
How much writing is required in this profession?
Writing is huge and depends on what job you have. However, we have grant writers that all they do is write grants. We also have communication people who do writing for the media and executive director. The executive director works with the Board to pursue funding sources and the funding source determines how much writing is required to obtain the grant.
Do you enjoy being the Director for Men's services?
It is incredible. I absolutely love what I do. I see it as a ministry. Other than my family, it is my reason for being.
What is your best memory within this non-profit?
Some of my best memories come from the individual stories of people. What warms my heart is a call from someone that says thank you, you have changed my life. The day we moved into this new facility, June 25, was the best day. The old building did not have beds; therefore, they had to sleep on the concrete slabs, there was no heat or air conditioning. The look on the men's faces when we moved into the new building was amazing.
"BE WILLING TO EXPECT DISAPPOINTMENT. BEING RESILIENT IN THIS FIELD CAN ENSURE YOUR SUCCESS AND LONGEVITY. "
