Daytona Beach, FL - Daytona International Speedway, the International Speedway Corporation, and NASCAR have given the City of Daytona Beach $15,000 to help fund operations at First Step Shelter.
First Step Shelter, Inc., is an organization that was established to help Volusia County's homeless population. The project is a joint effort between Volusia County and the City of Daytona Beach. Volusia County has already agreed to initial funding of $2.5 million to cover construction and utility connections, and the county will pay up to $400,000 a year for five years for operating costs. The City of Daytona Beach plans to provide matching operational funds as the owner of the shelter.
DIS President Chip Wile presented the check to Rev. Dr. L. Ronald Durham, D.D., D.P.S., at the International Motorsports Center across from the Speedway on Tuesday, June 20. “We are committed community partners and we hope this donation can help to fund ongoing operations of First Step Shelter, Inc.,” said Wile. “We encourage our friends in the community to do the same, and if possible to exceed our donation, creating an even greater impact and opportunity for our unsheltered.”
County Chairman Ed Kelley and Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry also addressed the audience, which included representatives from the ISC and NASCAR as well as members of the media.
“Once again, Daytona International Speedway, the ISC, and NASCAR recognize the importance of reaching into the heart of this community with a tremendous level of support for those who are less fortunate and desiring an opportunity to return to wholesomeness,” said Rev. Dr. Durham. “First Step Shelter, Inc., will forever be indebted to all of its partners who are supporting the completion of this much-needed project.”
Anyone interested in making a contribution to First Step Shelter should Call Rev. Dr. Durham at 386-451-5114.
Photo courtesy ISC.
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