Clearing the Way: Building the Future of Dave's House at Celery Community
Some moments mark the end of a chapter. Others clear the way for something extraordinary.
On June 11, a small group of Dave's House partners, neighbors, and community leaders gathered in Sanford to celebrate Clearing the Way, a ceremonial pre-demolition event for Dave's House at Celery Community. Together, we celebrated not what was coming down, but what will rise in its place: a community where adults living with serious mental illness can find stability, belonging, and a place to call home.
Ellen O’Connor - CEO, Dave’s House
As supporters gathered for Clearing the Way, one thing was unmistakable: this community believes in the future of Dave's House. The outpouring of support from neighbors, donors, partners, and local leaders was a powerful reminder that creating lasting solutions for adults living with serious mental illness takes an entire community working together.
We are deeply grateful to the City of Sanford for embracing this vision and helping create a welcoming home for future residents. Their partnership and leadership have been instrumental in bringing this project to life. And to our development and construction partners. HomeAid Orlando, whose expertise in building housing for vulnerable populations will help create a community designed to serve residents for generations, and Community Assisted & Supported Living (CASL), our co-developer and long-term operating partner, whose commitment to permanent supportive housing will ensure this neighborhood is a place where residents can thrive.
Special thanks to AdventHealth, whose investment in behavioral health and commitment to strengthening our community continues to make a lasting impact, and to the Big Nova Foundation, whose generous support helps expand opportunities and services for individuals living with serious mental illness.
Our work is guided by an extraordinary Board of Directors whose leadership and stewardship continue to move the mission forward. We are forever grateful to our founders, Ron and Lin Wilensky, whose vision planted the seeds for what Dave's House has become and what it will continue to be for years to come.
We are honored to stand alongside community champions like Dr. Joel C. Hunter and Christina Watkins, longtime friends of Dave's House and dedicated supporters of our annual Dave's House Party. Their generosity, advocacy, and belief in our mission have helped build a stronger community of support around the people we serve.
To our donors, volunteers, elected officials, healthcare partners, neighbors, and the countless individuals who have believed in this dream, thank you. Every contribution, partnership, and act of kindness has helped move this vision from possibility to reality.
Shown Here from Left to Right Brian Thomas, Bradley Wightman, Elena Norman, Nancy Wheeler, Ellen O’Connor, Adam Schwartz, Dave’s House Founders Ron and Lin Wilensky, City Manager, City of Sanford, Norton N. Bonaparte, Mayor, City of Sanford Art Woodruff
The morning was marked by heartfelt moments that invited guests to leave not just their footprints, but a piece of their hearts in the future of Dave's House at Celery Community. Guests were invited to leave their mark on the future of Dave's House at Celery Community. Supporters, partners, and friends transformed the walls of the existing buildings into a colorful graffiti art installation, sharing words and reflections on the question, "What does home mean to you?"
A Vision Years in the Making
For more than 16 years, Dave's House, in partnership with Aspire Health Partners, has provided permanent supportive housing for adults living with serious mental illness. Through six residential homes across Orange County, we've seen firsthand how stable housing, compassionate care, and supportive services can transform lives. As the need for supportive housing continues to grow, so has our vision.
Dave's House at Celery Community will become our first multi-unit residential neighborhood and the first community of its kind in Seminole County dedicated to adults living with serious mental illness and co-occurring disabilities. Designed to become home for up to 20 residents, the community will provide much more than housing. It will create opportunities for connection, independence, recovery, and belonging.
The Gift That Sparked the Vision
Every great project begins with someone willing to believe in the future. In 2023, Family of Friends, Inc. made an extraordinary commitment by donating nearly five acres of property in Sanford for the future Dave's House community. For decades, Family of Friends served Central Florida families through compassionate care and community service. Their generous gift ensures that their legacy of helping others will continue for generations to come, providing a permanent home for individuals who often face significant barriers to stable housing and recovery. We honored Family of Friends at the event, speaking on their behalf was Chris Hayes, Dave’s House board alumni.
Their generosity transformed a vision into a possibility.
From Left to Right: Chris Hayes representing Family of Friends, Adam Schwartz, Past Dave’s House Board Chair, Russ Beymer, Executive Director, HomeAid Orlando, PJ Brooks, COO CASL
Building Through Partnership
Creating a community like this takes more than one organization. It requires collaboration and shared purpose. Dave's House is proud to partner with Community Assisted & Supported Living (CASL) as co-developer and operational partner and HomeAid Orlando as design and building partner. Together, we're combining expertise in supportive housing, behavioral health, and community development to create an innovative model that can serve as an example for communities across Florida.
The future neighborhood will feature:
Eight duplex homes designed to support independent living.
Housing for up to 20 residents.
A 3,500-square-foot community center for activities, education, and social connection.
Green spaces that promote wellness and community.
On-site case management and peer support.
Healthcare partnerships and educational programming.
Employment and life-skills opportunities.
Convenient access to transportation and community resources.
Clearing the Way
The June 11 event represents an important milestone in bringing this vision to life. Guests had the opportunity to experience the future site, contribute to interactive activities, and participate in a symbolic first strike setting the way for demolition to officially begin, While it's called Clearing the Way, the event is really about making room for hope, healing, and opportunity. It's the moment where years of planning, partnership, fundraising, and community support become something tangible.
Looking Ahead
The journey to Dave's House at Celery Community has already reached many important milestones.
2023 brought the generous land donation from Family of Friends.
2024 saw the completion of property acquisition, rezoning, annexation, and the securing of a $1 million Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta grant.
In 2025, engineering and architectural planning continued while partnerships with CASL and HomeAid Orlando were formalized. The Florida Housing Finance Corporation also awarded $500,000 in predevelopment funding, and community supporters helped move the capital campaign to $2.7 million toward the overall goal.
Following Clearing the Way, the project will move through groundbreaking and site preparation, with vertical construction anticipated in 2027. Hard Hat Tours will allow supporters to watch progress firsthand, with the community projected to welcome its first residents in 2028.
More Than a Building
Dave's House at Celery Community represents more than new construction. For future residents, it means safety, stability, and the opportunity to thrive. For families, it offers peace of mind knowing their loved ones have a supportive community designed for long-term success. For Seminole County and Central Florida, it demonstrates that innovative partnerships and compassionate leadership can create lasting solutions to some of our community's most pressing challenges.
And together, with donations and support from the local community, we'll clear the way for what's next.