ORLANDO, Fla. — Several community foundations and organizations came together to give back to the homeless community on Saturday.

One of the organization's founders said she gives back because she was in the same position not too long ago.

What You Need To Know

  • Several community foundations and organizations came together to give back to the homeless community on Saturday

  • Angel Blessings Ministries founder Joanne Renucci was homeless for 15 years and started her organization as a way to help others

  • Renucci said her group donates to the community once a month

Joanne Renucci was homeless for 15 years.

Living in the woods off of Colonial Drive, she said she watched all of her friends die, but in 2017, she was able to find permanent housing with help through an organization known as H.O.P.E. and things changed for her. 

“They took that leap of faith for me. I took the leap of faith because of them, and because of that, saved my life,” Renucci said.

Renucci started Angel Blessings Ministries in 2021 and she's been giving back ever since.

“God told me, 'Go ahead and do for them as I did for you,'" she said.

Renucci said they donate to the community once a month, and food and necessities aren't the only things being handed out.

 A Little Taste of Heaven catered breakfast foods.

“Anyone can be in this situation. This is not a permanent status, but anybody can go through this. You know, you lose your job. Most people live paycheck to paycheck," said A Little Taste of Heaven founder Vivian Rosa.

Rosa says her reason why she gives back to the community is simple.

"Just loving up on God’s people — that’s really what it’s all about,” she said.