Few people pay it forward as often as Sarah Alsofrom does in a given year. In her role as director of community relations for GL Homes, the University of Florida graduate helps to coordinate donations to more than 150 charities annually for the renowned homebuilder.
“My personality has always lent itself to helping others,” says the winner of the 2019 Athena Leadership Award by the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches. “I admire people who are engaged in the community and show kindness. These are the folks who are happy in life.”
Lifestyle Media Group asked Alsofrom, who’s been with GL Homes for the past five years, about a cause that’s especially important to the Florida-based company.
In what ways have the challenges faced by local nonprofits trying to stem the tide of homelessness been magnified by the pandemic?
Alsofrom: COVID-19 has upended so many lives. Job loss, education disruption, food insecurity, overdue rent, unpaid bills, loss of a loved one due to the pandemic—the list goes on. For almost a year, nonprofits have been stretched to the breaking point—and there is no sign of abatement, at least in the short term. Since the start of the pandemic, I’ve had many conversations with our charity partners to let them know GL Homes Philanthropy is here for them with our time and resources.
The Lord’s Place, which helps the homeless throughout Palm Beach County, has opened our eyes to the ongoing issue of homelessness. … There are people at risk of homelessness [from the pandemic] who have never been homeless before. GL Homes donated $50,000 to The Lord’s Place Prevention Program, keeping people in their homes by paying mounting bills for rent and electricity. Our donation was the first corporate contribution to this program; we hope to be the first of many corporate sponsors.
