Carrying the Legacy Forward: From Family of Friends to Dave’s House’s Newest Community
Since 1989, the Family of Friends Assisted Living Facility has stood as a beacon of compassion and care in Sanford, Florida. Located at 2340 Celery Avenue, this quiet haven has been home to hundreds of residents living with serious mental illness (SMI), supported by dedicated staff, clinicians, board members, and community partners. For 35 years, Family of Friends provided more than housing—it offered dignity, stability, and a sense of belonging to those who needed it most.
As the landscape of mental health treatment and supportive housing has evolved across Central Florida, so too has the vision of Family of Friends. In September 2024, the facility closed its doors as a residential ALF—but its legacy will live on. In a powerful and generous act of stewardship, the Family of Friends Board of Directors has donated the property to Dave’s House. At Dave’s House, we are honored and humbled to carry this legacy forward. For over 16 years, Dave’s House has been working to end homelessness for adults living with serious mental illness by creating permanent supportive housing solutions that foster independence and long-term recovery. We believe that a home is more than a roof—it’s a foundation for hope, healing, and the opportunity to thrive.
Check out this video! Thanks to the generosity of donors like Chris Hayes and his family, our Celery Avenue project is becoming a reality. Their deep commitment to our mission—donating land that will become a safe, stable community for individuals with serious mental illness—is an incredible testament to the power of giving. The Family of Friends legacy will forever be woven into the fabric of Dave’s House, helping change lives for years to come.
Introducing Our First Multi-Unit Residential Community
We are thrilled to announce that this legacy property will become home to our first-ever Dave’s House Multi-Unit Residential Community—a transformational new model for housing adults living with disabilities, including mental illness.
Located in Seminole County, the new community will include:
16 private duplex homes offering independent living with dignity
A 3,500 sq ft Community Center for education, enrichment, and connection
Green spaces and shared outdoor amenities
On-site support including case management and peer support
Easy access to transportation and local resource
This unique, integrated housing model will welcome up to 30 residents and provide wraparound services that support personal growth, job readiness, and social connection—all within a safe and nurturing neighborhood.
Join the Journey
This project represents a major step forward for Dave’s House—and for the future of housing for adults with disabilities including SMI in Central Florida. Whether you're a longtime supporter or just discovering our mission, we invite you to be part of this journey.
Schedule a “Binocular Tour” to get a sneak peek at the property.
Attend our signature fundraising event this fall to help make this dream a reality
Invest in our future by supporting this project with a one-time gift or sponsorship
Together, we are not only honoring the past—we’re building the future.