Built to Last

Built to Last

For over 16 years, Dave’s House has been dedicated to its mission of ending homelessness for adults with serious mental illness—providing permanent housing, mental health support, and a path to stability. With our six homes in Orange County, we’ve seen firsthand the power of safe, permanent supportive housing to transform lives. Now, we’re expanding that impact with the creation of our first multi-unit Residential Community in Central Florida. Our annual fundraising event “Dave’s House Party” fuels this mission.

Dave’s House Party — Built to last

Join Central Florida’s leaders in housing, healthcare, and community philanthropy for an evening grounded in a simple but powerful idea—what we build today should last. Dave’s House Party 2026 celebrates the progress and momentum behind Dave’s House at Celery Community, our innovative permanent supportive housing neighborhood in Sanford designed to provide stability and opportunity for adults living with serious mental illness.

The annual Dave’s House Party will be held on September 19, 2026 (6pm to 10pm) at the Sheraton Orlando North in Maitland, Florida.

A safe home is not temporary relief—it’s the foundation for connection, and independence. Dave’s House unique “permanent supportive housing model” combines stable, affordable housing with on-site services that address mental health, wellness, and daily living needs, creating a proven pathway out of homelessness. This year’s theme, Built to Last, reflects that model in action—integrating housing and support to create lasting solutions, strengthen partnerships, and build a community where individuals don’t just find housing—they find stability, purpose, and a path forward.

Dave’s House Party will bring together a room built with intention—Central Florida leaders in housing, healthcare, and philanthropy, all coming together around solutions designed to stand the test of time. Guests will be led through a mission-centered experience—from a hosted cocktail reception to a thoughtfully curated dinner and program. Throughout the night stories and connections come together to reinforce what it means to build not just for today, but for what comes next. A highlight of the evening is the presentation of the annual Dr. Joel C. Hunter Legacy Award, recognizing leadership that advances mental health, housing, and long-term stability in our community. This year, we are honored to recognize Jonathan and Nancy Wolf of Wendover Housing Partners—whose work in affordable housing reflects the very spirit of the award and the Built to Last theme. The program will hosted by WESH News Anchor, Christina Watkins.

Sponsorships directly fuel the vision driving the development of Dave’s House at Celery Community, expanding access to permanent supportive housing and the services that make long-term stability possible. This is an opportunity to support something you can see, feel, and follow as it comes to life—a community being built to last.

PLACE SAVER pending final images from Lou will be two pages from kit as JPGS.

The 2026 Dr. Joel C. Hunter Legacy Award

The Dr. Joel C. Hunter Legacy Award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to mental health advocacy, with a focus on advancing health equity and addressing the social determinants of health. Established in 2023 by Dave’s House, this annual award celebrates leaders who have made a significant impact in efforts to end homelessness and support individuals living with serious mental illnesses.

Jonathan and Nancy Wolf of Wendover Housing Partners will be honored with the 2026 Dr. Joel C. Hunter Legacy Award in recognition of their visionary leadership in advancing affordable housing and their unwavering commitment to serving individuals and families across Central Florida. Through their work, they have not only expanded access to quality, attainable housing, but have helped shape communities where stability, dignity, and opportunity can take root. Their dedication to collaboration, innovation, and integrating supportive solutions has made a profound and lasting impact in addressing homelessness and strengthening the region’s future. Join us in honoring Jonathan and Nancy Wolf—leaders whose work exemplifies what it means to build not just housing, but pathways to hope, resilience, and long-term change.

The 2025 Dr. Joel C. Hunter Legacy Award

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings received 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 in Orange County. His commitment to cross-sector collaboration, investment in supportive services, and efforts to strengthen the region’s mental health infrastructure have helped create pathways to stability, dignity, and recovery for thousands of Central Florida residents.

Shown Here: Elena Norman, Board Chair/Dave’s House, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, Dr. Joel C. Hunter, Ellen O’Connor CEO/Dave’s House

The Dr. Joel C. Hunter Legacy Award

The 2024 Dr. Joel C. Hunter Legacy Award

Michael Griffin, Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Public Policy at AdventHealth, received the 2024 Dr. Joel C. Hunter Legacy Award in recognition of his exceptional dedication to mental health advocacy, particularly in advancing health equity and addressing the social determinants of health. His leadership has helped elevate critical conversations around access to care while fostering collaboration between healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations, creating a meaningful and lasting impact across AdventHealth and the Central Florida community.

Shown Here: Ellen O’Connor, CEO/Dave’s House, Dr. Joel C. Hunter, Michael Griffin, Elena Norman, Board Chair/Dave’s House

The 2023 Dr. Joel C. Hunter Legacy Award

Dr. Joel C. Hunter received the inaugural Legacy Award in 2023, named in his honor, for his lifelong commitment to mental health advocacy, health equity, and supporting individuals facing homelessness — a legacy we are proud to carry forward through this annual award. Dr. Hunter is the Pastor of Community Benefit at Action Church, a multi-site congregation based in Winter Park and his one-minute “Let’s Go Help Somebody” daily devotionals can be heard worldwide on 88 Radio.

Shown Here: Dr. Philip Toal, Dave’s House Board Member and Dr. Joel C. Hunter