Homeless advocate helps despite adversity

Debra Thomas knows what its like to do without the simplest of household items. She herself was once homeless.

"I made a promise to myself if. I was able to get back on my feet I was going do is help those more in need than I was," Thomas said.

The substitute Seminole County teacher formed New Directions Community Outreach, which she operated out of her home since 2004.

One of the biggest events she does each year is a summer giveaway of backpacks. This year she had to cancel.

"The total budget for the event was $5,000. He wrote $3,000 check and the check bounced," Thomas said. "That put us all in an uproar."

But she said that may have been a blessing in disguise. People heard about the need and donations came pouring in, including a businessman who gave her an office to store supplies.

She hopes to one day get items like office furniture, but right now she's concentrating on items like canned goods, clothing and toiletries she can deliver to the homeless in time for Thanksgiving.

"I could have given up, a lot of people told me just walk away, but I said no," Thomas said.

New Directions Community Outreach is planning an open house Sept. 18 at its Altamonte Springs location on Forest Avenue.