Dave’s House Party — Built to last
For more than 17 years, Dave’s House has worked to end homelessness for adults living with serious mental illness through a proven model of permanent supportive housing that combines affordable homes with the services needed for long-term stability. Now, we are expanding that impact with our first multi-unit residential community in Central Florida, bringing this model to life at a larger scale. Dave’s House Party: Built to Last fuels this next chapter, bringing together leaders in housing and healthcare to support a model grounded in stability and lasting outcomes. As we begin building this new community, the event raises critical support to expand a solution designed to endure.
Please join us on September 19, 2026, from 6:00 to 10:00 PM at the Sheraton Orlando North in Maitland, Florida. Sponsors have the opportunity to be part of something tangible—helping build a community that is truly Built to Last.
Built to last - The Experience
Dave’s House Party sponsors and their invited guests will be led through a mission-centered pre event hosted cocktail reception, with entertainment, locally inspired appetizer menu and an exciting experience auction. Our chef-inspired dinner accompanies our infotainment-rich program highlighting the journey of Dave’s House—honoring those who have been part of building this mission from the beginning while inviting others to be part of what comes next, all through the lens of what it means to be Built to Last.
A spotlight 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. Throughout the night stories and connections come together to reinforce what it means to build not just for today, but for what comes next.
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.
Dave’s House at Celery
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 and a path forward.
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 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
