Orlando attorney helps combat homelessness for veterans

Morgan family pledges to match up to $50,000 for cause

ORLANDO, Fla. – A prominent Orlando attorney took a big step to combat homelessness for military veterans in Central Florida.

Attorney Matt Morgan met with several veterans Wednesday to announce a donation that could help change the lives of hundreds of veterans living on the streets.

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"It is clear that we have a homeless epidemic in Orlando," Morgan said.  "And it is also clear that hundreds of homeless veterans are occupying our streets."

Through November 11, which is Veteran's Day, Morgan said he will match all donations made to the Coalition for the Homeless, up to $25,000.

Upon hearing of his pledge, Morgan said his parents, John and Ultima Morgan, stepped up with a second $25,000 matching gift of their own.

If the $50,000 is matched, a total of $100,000 will be donated in support of veterans services at the Coalition for the Homeless.

"We have an opportunity to raise $100,000 for homeless veterans if we can engage the public, and every dollar counts," Morgan said.

Oliver Gray is one of an estimated 400 homeless veterans in Central Florida.  He said the donation could make a big impact in helping him get back on his feet.

"We need more money, but we need more support and we need more places like this, letting people advocate on our behalf," Gray said.

Over the last year, the Coalition's Men's Service Center has helped 63 veterans move into permanent housing.

Brent Trotter, president of the coalition, said the potential donation will help increase the number exponentially.

"I love seeing prominent members of our community stepping up to embrace a cause," Trotter said.  "A matching campaign of this magnitude, with a family like the Morgans involved, is an absolute win for our organization, for these men, and for the Veteran Services Program."

To donate, click here.


About the Author

Mark Lehman became a News 6 reporter in July 2014, but he's been a Central Florida journalist and part of the News 6 team for much longer. While most people are fast asleep in their bed, Mark starts his day overnight by searching for news on the streets of Central Florida.

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