History

Collaboration by providers of services to homeless persons was initiated in 1990 by the Mayor of Bradenton in response to growing apprehension in the community about the increasing numbers of homeless people. Initial leadership for organization of the Coalition was provided by the League of Women Voters and by the religious community, which was experiencing an escalation in requests for assistance from individuals and families facing homelessness. Over the course of four years, homeless service providers, faith based organization, public officials and civic groups conducted forums to identify problems faced by the homeless. They also identified the gaps in services that corresponded with the needs that they had acknowledged.

…And in response to those needs, and with the support of the Bradenton Community, The Bill Galvano One Stop Center was created.

We are a private, non-profit organization with tax exempt, 501 (C) (3) status. Initially organized to provide information and referral, day resource services and rental assistance, the agency also provides leadership and advocacy for issues related to homelessness.

Board of Directors

Susan (Susie) Walters
President

Robert (Dan) Barwick
Vice President
Chairman & CEO deMorgan Communities, Inc.

Margie Genter
Secretary
VP, Goodwill Industries – Manasota, Inc.

Leanne T. Cross
Treasurer
Audit Manager – CPA Associates

Major Jeff Lewis
Bradenton Police Department

Lee Martin
Owner – Specialty Construction

Dr. Peter Mattina
Dermatologist

John McKay
President, John M. McKay, Inc.

Mark McLaughlin
Real Estate Broker

Kristen Pate
HIV Prevention and Outreach Coordinator

H. Hamilton (Chip) Rice Jr., Esq.
Lawyer – Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A.

Steve Wilson
President, Hideaway Storage Services

Links

Florida Coalition for the Homeless – www.fchonline.org

Florida Office on Homelessness – www.dcf.state.fl.us/homelessness

United States Interagency Council on Homelessness – www.usich@usich.gov

National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty – www.nlchp.org

Institute for Children and Poverty – www.icpny.org

National Policy and Advocacy Council on Homelessness – www.nlchp.org