Congratulations to Halifax Urban Ministries (HUM), a United Methodist-supported organization that serves the hungry and homeless in Volusia and Flagler counties, for helping to get another family off the street and into a stable housing situation.

HUM's nomination of the Scesny family, who were rendered homeless through illness and unemployment, attracted enough votes to win a $5,000 prize from the Florida Bankers Association through its "Bank On My Dream" contest. The award is expected to pay for a used car and rental deposits needed to get the three-member family out of HUM's temporary shelter and into a permanent home. 

In April, nonprofit organizations were invited to nominate individuals they serve to win one of 10 $5,000 prizes to make their dreams into reality. Numerous nominations were submitted over a two-month period, and 35 eligible contestants were selected to compete for the final prizes. An intensive public voting period followed the submission process, garnering more than 50,000 votes, and a panel of judges including Florida bankers chose the 10 winners. 

To read the nomination story HUM submitted, click here.