Heart of Florida United Way CEO Jeff Hayward said it’s vital now more than ever to normalize the conversation around mental health and the struggles many people are facing.

Heart of Florida United Way is making sure struggling families across Central Florida have a Thanksgiving feast this year.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Cars lined up at the Orange County Convention Center Saturday morning as hundreds of families received free Thanksgiving meals. Heart of Florida United Way gave out free meals to 1,500 pre-selected families in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties. Michael and Patricia received the free meals through the non-profit’s second annual Thanksgiving Project. Heart of Florida United Way President and CEO Jeff Hayward said they provided families everything they need for the meal. He adds the meal giveaway is just another way they’re doing their part.

Orlando City Council voted on plans to use $1.5 million of Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security, or CARES, Act funds to provide rental assistance. The city will partner with United Way to implement the funds. Requests for rental assistance can be made through the Heart of Florida United Way website beginning Sept. 9 at 8 a.m. City employees will assist the United Way in administering and overseeing the program. Residents who are interested in applying for the Rental Assistance Program are encouraged to begin gathering all required documents needed to apply as soon as possible.

Florida United Way weighs in on housing crisis during coronavirus pandemicPublished: August 7, 2020, 10:22 amJeff Hayward, CEO of Heart of Florida United Way, describes the increase in people struggling and needing assistance during the coronavirus pandemic.

Central Florida organization worried about 'tidal wave' of evictionsPublished: July 1, 2020, 1:31 pmHeart of Florida United Way President Jeff Hayward said he feared thousands of families would face homelessness with Orange and Osceola counties reporting some of the state's highest unemployment rates.

Ron DeSantis granted an extension Tuesday to the state's temporary ban on evictions and foreclosures. The executive order on the moratorium, which was set to expire July 1, now extends it until Aug. 1. With demand outpacing the organization's recovery fund, Hayward said he would like to see a plan from the community to help families in need. "We cannot just sit back and let the process play out without at least trying to help some families," he said. For further details about the United Way and how to help, visit https://www.hfuw.org/