City of Orlando and Harbor House Volunteers Hit the Streets With OPD Chief Paul Rooney to Raise Awareness on Signs of Domestic Abuse During United Way Days of Caring

WHAT:
As part of the It Takes Courage campaign, Orlando Police Chief Paul Rooney will join Harbor House and more than 100 volunteers as part of Heart of Florida United Way Days of Caring to distribute 15,000 door hangers to raise community awareness about the signs of domestic abuse. Volunteers will spread out among 46 apartment complexes throughout the City of Orlando.

The It Takes Courage campaign was launched on August 23 by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Chief Rooney and Harbor House in an effort to address the dramatic rise of incidences of domestic abuse in the City of Orlando over the last three years. This campaign seeks to educate the community on the warning signs of domestic abuse to empower survivors to take control of their lives and create safer communities.

The 46 apartment complexes were selected because they are part of the City’s Crime Free Multi-Housing initiative, a partnership between rental property owners, residents and OPD to eliminate crime in multi-housing rental properties. To become a certified Crime Free Multi-Housing complex, the property owner must complete a three step program that includes specialized training and security enhancements.

WHEN/WHERE:
Friday, September 23, 2011
8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Kick-off will be held at Valencia College – West in Parking Lot E
1800 South Kirkman Road
*The kick-off event will include Chief Rooney, Harbor House Executive Director Carol Wick, United Way Campaign Chair David Fuller (President/CEO of SunTrust Bank, Central Florida) with the more than 100 volunteers.

Following the kick-off, volunteers will spread out across 46 apartment complexes in the City of Orlando to distribute door-hangers that encourage anyone who sees or hears domestic violence happening to dial 911 or call Harbor House’s hotline number.

BACKGROUND:
Organized by Heart of Florida United Way, Days of Caring connects businesses, organizations and individuals with volunteer opportunities to help those in need in our community. This hands-on volunteer day offers a range of projects with United Way partner agencies in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. Projects include reading to children, cooking breakfast for seniors, repairing homes, building playgrounds and many other rewarding opportunities that make a difference. This year, more than 1,900 corporate and community volunteers from more than 40 local businesses and organizations will roll up their sleeves to work on nearly 70 projects at 36 local nonprofit agencies throughout the tri-county area. To learn more visit www.hfuw.org.

About Harbor House
Harbor House is Orange County's only state-certified domestic violence facility and seeks to eliminate domestic violence in Central Florida by providing safety, shelter, empowerment, education and justice. Harbor House provides safe shelter, a 24-hour crisis hotline, counseling, and emotional support, and legal advocacy for thousands of domestic violence survivors and their children each year. Harbor House also prepares survivors for re-entry into the community - connecting them to resources that will enable them to live independently, safely and peacefully. 

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