Mission Possible: Stand Up for Housing. Show Up for Mental Health
At Dave’s House, our mission is clear: to end homelessness for adults living with serious mental illness by providing permanent supportive housing. For more than 16 years, we’ve built more than homes—we’ve built paths to stability, recovery, and dignity for some of the most vulnerable members of our community. But we can’t do it alone. Our work is powered by a community that believes in possibility. Year after year, we’re inspired by the generosity and compassion of local leaders, organizations, and neighbors who come together to ensure that no one is left behind.
One of the most powerful ways this support comes to life is through Dave’s House Party—our signature fundraising event and the most important night of our year. The funds raised during this evening provide critical, unrestricted support that fuels our mission all year long. It’s a celebration of community, and a reminder of what’s possible when people come together with purpose. At last year’s Dave’s House Party event, we were so encouraged at the outpouring of support from our Central Florida partners. Generous donations from Morgan & Morgan, AdventHealth, and The Collage Companies—for example, helped make Dave’s House Party a catalyst for real impact. Their commitment goes beyond sponsorship—it’s a stand for a stronger, more compassionate Central Florida. Every act of support, from sponsorships to volunteer hours, reflects a shared belief that housing is healthcare, dignity is a right, and hope should never be out of reach.
“Real progress happens when nonprofits, faith communities, and government work together, and Dave’s House is a shining example of that kind of transformational collaboration.”
— Dr. Joel C. Hunter
Shown Here: Dr. Joel C. Hunter “talking mission” with Orlando Sentinel’s Scott Maxwell
This year’s event—Dave’s House Party: Mission Possible—takes place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Sheraton Orlando North. It’s an evening of connection and impact, featuring a chef-curated dinner, an immersive program, and our exciting auction experience—all designed to fuel the work ahead. This night is our primary source of unrestricted funding, fueling our mission as we prepare for the launch of our first multi-unit residential community in Seminole County. This year’s theme—Mission Possible—is more than a name. It’s a call to action rooted in the belief that, together, we can overcome even the most complex challenges facing our community. At Dave’s House, our mission is to end homelessness for adults living with serious mental illness by providing permanent supportive housing—a proven, compassionate model that pairs stable homes with wraparound mental health services.
“Our theme this year, Mission Possible, is a reflection of the unwavering belief that real change is within reach. Every home we build, every life we help stabilize, starts with the idea that no challenge is too great when a community comes together with purpose. This night is about showing what’s possible when compassion and action meet.”
— Ellen O’Connor, CEO, Dave’s House
Shown Here: Ellen O’Connor and Christina Watkins at Dave’s House Party 2024
Each year, Dave’s House Party brings together people who are ready to say “yes” to that mission—people who understand that housing is healthcare, and that no one should be left behind because of a mental health condition. Helping us tell that story on stage once again is Christina Watkins, WESH 2 News Anchor, who returns as emcee for the third consecutive year. Pictured here at Dave’s House Party 2024 alongside Ellen, Christina brings heart, clarity, and personal conviction to the evening’s program.
“Every time, I leave feeling more inspired than the last. This isn’t just another event—it’s a celebration of real impact. We all have a story, and by showing up, we get to be part of someone else’s better chapter. I’m proud to lend my voice to it.”
— Christina Watkins
In a world full of uncertainty, Mission Possible is a reminder that permanent supportive housing works—and that hope is a strategy when it's backed by action. Dr. Joel C. Hunter has long been a champion of compassion-driven community solutions, and his leadership continues to inspire the work we do at Dave’s House. In his honor, we established the Dr. Joel C. Hunter Legacy Award in 2023 to recognize individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to mental health advocacy and housing equity—especially those working to address the root causes of suffering through long-term, community-based solutions.
“I am so honored to have my name associated with an award that recognizes the life-changing work of helping those living with serious mental illness. This honor aligns closely with my lifelong commitment to advocating for compassion-driven solutions that address the root causes of suffering—homelessness, mental health, and inequity.”
— Dr. Joel C. Hunter
This year, we are proud to present the 2025 Dr. Joel C. Hunter Legacy Award to Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings at Dave’s House Party: Mission Possible. Mayor Demings has been a steadfast advocate for expanding access to mental health services, championing affordable housing, and strengthening our region’s response to homelessness. Through his leadership, Orange County has prioritized cross-sector collaboration, invested in supportive services, and launched policies that create real pathways to recovery and self-sufficiency for residents facing mental illness and housing insecurity. His impact reaches beyond policy—it reflects a deep understanding that community well-being depends on equity, dignity, and opportunity for all. By honoring Mayor Demings, we recognize not just a leader, but a partner in the mission to ensure every person has a place to call home and the support they need to thrive.
Your Mission Should You Chose to Accept It
Join us for Dave’s House Party, our most important night of the year, raising crucial funds to fuel our mission of providing permanent supportive housing for adults with serious mental illness. This year’s theme, Mission Possible, sets the stage for an inspiring evening on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Sheraton Orlando North from 6 PM to 10 PM. The evening kicks off with Mission Launch Hour—a lively welcome reception featuring locally inspired bites, a hosted bar, mission engagement stations, photo ops, and more. Next we move to the ballroom, during Mission in Focus, guests will enjoy a chef-curated dinner while learning about Dave’s House’s impactful work, including an update on our first multi-unit residential community in Central Florida. The entire evening is wrapped around honoring Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings as the 2025 Dr. Joel C. Hunter Legacy Award in recognition of his steadfast leadership in expanding access to mental health resources, championing affordable housing initiatives, and prioritizing community-based solutions to reduce homelessness. Finally, we’ll wrap with Operation: Afterglow, a celebration filled with sweet treats and lively libations.
The Mission Continues
Dave’s House is growing. We are incredibly excited to be developing our first Dave’s House Multi-Unit Residential Community, in Central Florida. This innovative neighborhood will provide a safe, supportive home for up to 30 adult men and women living with disabilities, including serious mental illness. Located in Sanford, Florida and designed for independent living, the community will feature 16 private duplex residences—each thoughtfully planned to foster dignity, autonomy, and connection. Residents will also benefit from access to on-site case management, peer support, life-skills programming, job placement services, and a 3,500-square-foot community center—all within a walkable, transit-friendly setting surrounded by green space.
This is our moment. This is Mission Possible.