b'Boynton BeachThemissionoftheCaridadCenteristoupgradethehealth, educationandlivingstandardsofthechildrenandfamiliesof agricultural workers, day laborers and the working poor. HOT helps Caridadsclientsbyprovidingemergencyassistanceand scholarships.Wehavestoppedevictionsandutilityshutdowns, paidforfood,chemotherapyandotherextraordinarymedical assistance. Similar to all of HOTs emergency assistance programs, we only fund when all other sources have been exhausted. In the last 18 months, we helped 32 families: 26 that would have been evicted or had their utilities shut down, 2 with a family member who needed surgery and 4 whose children received scholarships to be the first in their family to go to college.A family of four lost their home and most belongings after it was ravished by hurricane Irma. FEMA did not cover the expense to make their home whole again fromthedamage.Arelativewasabletoprovide temporaryshelterforsixmonths.Caridadnegotiated withabuildertodoalltheworkforfree,andHOT funded the materials at builders cost to initiate the rebuilding process. Currently, they are back to living on their own, with just a few small parts of the house left to complete.Anelderlylady desperatelycalled with an immediate need for a place to live. During the assessment it became clear that she was also in need of food. She was forced to immediately leave the house she was living in. She had to live in her car during the coldest temperaturerecordedinWestPalmBeach history. HOT providedCaridadCenterhalfofthe $553.04 needed for immediate shelter. She was promptly placedinsafehousing.Inaddition,Caridadhelpedwithfood,clothing,andlinkagetoa Senior Services Center and continues to reach out to her to supply needed services. Six and a half years ago, we started giving scholarships to students carefully vetted by Caridad. The results have been outstandingcontinuing studies, earning degrees, and becoming productive members of society rather than continuing in what could be an endless cycle of poverty. Caridads wish list continues to be funds for Scholarships and Emergency Assistance for families including grocery store food cards. We would like our donors to designate all or part of their contributions to this program with the goal of our raising an extra $35,000: $17,500 of which would be used for scholarships and $17,500 that would help us respond to Caridads continually growing need for Emergency Aid. Please let us know which fund you want your contribution to be used for. 15'