Pathways to New Hope

“Where there is a home, there is hope.”

Contact

For questions, please contact:

Joshua Weidenhamer

Director of Pathways to New Hope

Pathways to New Hope is a supportive housing and workforce development program located in Sanford, Florida, serving residents of Seminole County. The program offers 15 dormitory-style residential units within a structured, community-based environment designed to provide housing stability while residents work toward increased income, employment skills, and long-term independent housing.

Pathways to New Hope combines affordable housing with individualized case management, housing counseling, educational opportunities, and workforce development. Residents are expected to actively participate in developing and pursuing a plan for greater personal, financial, employment, and housing stability.

Pathways to New Hope is not emergency shelter housing. The program is intended for individuals who are able and willing to participate in a supportive residential community with clear expectations, program participation, and personal accountability.

Housing at Pathways to New Hope

Pathways to New Hope offers dormitory-style housing with private bathrooms. Each unit includes a private restroom and shower, along with a kitchenette equipped with a sink, microwave, and full-size refrigerator.

Units do not include traditional stovetops or ovens. Residents may prepare meals in their units using approved appliances such as toaster ovens, air fryers, and crock pots in accordance with Community Guidelines.

The residential community includes:

11 studio units
3 one-bedroom units
1 two-bedroom unit
First-floor units for individuals with mobility needs, based on availability

Housing is offered based on availability, eligibility screening, and overall program fit.

Housing Model & Income Requirements

Residency at Pathways to New Hope is designed to provide short- to mid-term housing stability while residents work toward increased self-sufficiency, greater earning potential, and successful transition to long-term independent housing.

Applicants must have verifiable monthly income of at least $945 at the time of application.

Residents contribute 45% of their monthly income toward housing costs, subject to applicable program guidelines and maximum housing contribution amounts.

Monthly housing contributions include:

Wi-Fi
Electricity
Water and sewage
On-site laundry access
Access to case management
Housing counseling
Educational and workforce development opportunities

Meeting the minimum income requirement or completing an application does not guarantee placement. Admission is based on eligibility, program fit, successful completion of the application and screening process, and unit availability.

Community Living & Guidelines

Pathways to New Hope is a community-based residential program. Residents are expected to contribute to a safe, respectful, and supportive living environment and comply with established Community Guidelines.

Residents are expected to:

Respect quiet hours and shared spaces
Comply with guest, smoking, safety, and conduct policies
Maintain their individual unit and shared common areas
Attend required meetings with program staff
Participate in housing counseling
Work toward the goals established in their individualized Life Plan
Participate in appropriate educational, vocational, employment, or skill-building activities

Community Guidelines are provided to all residents and are a condition of residency.

Supportive Services & Life Planning

Pathways to New Hope is more than a place to live. The program is designed to help residents use their time at Pathways to New Hope to prepare for greater financial stability, increased earning potential, and successful transition to long-term housing.

Residents work collaboratively with program staff to develop an individualized Life Plan and participate in regular case management and housing counseling.

Based on individual goals and needs, residents are also expected to participate in appropriate educational, vocational, employment, or skill-building opportunities that support progress toward greater independence.

Program opportunities and supportive services may include:

Individualized case management and Life Plan development
Housing counseling and preparation for long-term housing
Budgeting and financial education
Employment and career development
Résumé and job-search assistance
Technology and computer skills training
Vocational education and industry certifications
Culinary and hospitality training
Health and wellness education
Other educational opportunities designed to increase job skills and earning potential

The goal is to help residents strengthen the skills, income, and resources necessary to maintain stable housing beyond their time at Pathways to New Hope.

Workforce Development & Education

Stable housing and sustainable employment are closely connected. Pathways to New Hope places a strong emphasis on helping residents develop the skills and earning potential necessary to achieve long-term housing stability.

Residents are expected to remain actively engaged in employment, education, vocational training, or other approved activities that support the goals established in their individualized Life Plan.

Pathways to New Hope includes an on-site professional commercial kitchen that serves as a hub for culinary education, workforce development, and hands-on training.

CRAFT — Culinary Readiness and Formation Training

CRAFT (Culinary Readiness and Formation Training) is a workforce development initiative of Pathways to New Hope that combines hands-on culinary education with professional development and workplace readiness.

Participants gain practical experience working in a commercial kitchen while developing culinary, workplace, and professional skills that can prepare them for employment and advancement in the culinary and hospitality industries.

CRAFT training may include:

Culinary fundamentals and food preparation
Food safety and sanitation
ServSafe preparation and certification
Knife skills and commercial kitchen practices
Hands-on food production
Workplace communication and professionalism
Digital and workplace technology skills
Career preparation and employment support
Practical experience through community meal and food-service projects

CRAFT reflects the larger mission of Pathways to New Hope: combining housing stability with opportunities to develop skills, increase income, and create a pathway toward long-term self-sufficiency.

Additional Culinary & Educational Opportunities

Pathways to New Hope also partners with Seminole State College to provide culinary and hospitality education opportunities at the Pathways to New Hope campus.

Eligible participants may have opportunities to participate in additional culinary education, professional training, and industry-recognized certification programs.

Together, these opportunities create multiple pathways for residents and program participants to develop marketable skills, strengthen their résumés, and pursue higher-skilled and higher-wage employment.

Our Program Focus

Pathways to New Hope seeks to reduce the risk of homelessness by addressing more than an immediate need for affordable housing.

Our model brings together:

Housing Stability + Housing Counseling + Case Management + Education + Workforce Development

Residents are provided with an affordable and supportive place to live while being challenged and supported to make meaningful progress toward their individual goals.

Success at Pathways to New Hope means more than maintaining a housing unit. Our goal is for residents to leave the program better prepared to secure and maintain long-term housing, manage their finances, pursue sustainable employment, and continue building greater independence.

Basic Eligibility

Pathways to New Hope may be appropriate for individuals and households who:

Are residents of Seminole County
Have verifiable monthly income of at least $945
Are able to contribute 45% of monthly income toward housing costs
Are willing and able to participate in regular case management
Are willing to participate in housing counseling and long-term housing planning
Are willing to participate in appropriate employment, education, vocational training, or other skill-building activities
Are able to comply with Pathways to New Hope Community Guidelines
Meet applicable application and screening requirements

Meeting the basic eligibility criteria does not guarantee admission or the availability of a unit.

Interested in Pathways to New Hope?

If you believe Pathways to New Hope may be a good fit for you, please complete the PTNH Pre-Screening Survey.

The pre-screening process helps our team determine whether an applicant meets the basic program requirements and whether Pathways to New Hope may be an appropriate fit.

Completion of the pre-screening survey, application, background screening, or placement on a waiting list does not constitute an offer or guarantee of housing. Housing opportunities are dependent upon eligibility, program fit, completion of required screening, and unit availability.

PTNH Pre-Screening Survey

More Information

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Location: 500 S. Holly Avenue,
Sanford, FL 32771

Support Pathways to New Hope

Your support helps Pathways to New Hope provide affordable housing, supportive services, education, and workforce development opportunities that help individuals work toward greater stability and independence.

To make a donation online, please select Housing Ministries – Pathways to New Hope when designating your gift.

For check donations, make your check payable to Pathways to New Hope and mail to:

Catholic Charities of Central Florida
1819 N Semoran Blvd
Orlando, FL 32807

For information about other ways of giving, including IRA gifts, Donor Advised Funds, stock transfers, or legacy gifts, please contact Catholic Charities of Central Florida.

Pathways to New Hope