PERSON OF INTEREST
PEO PLE
Steve Smith Clermont man has heart for propelling people forward. INTERVIEWER: ROXANNE BROWN
≈ PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL
L V I TA AT S ST
• Retired from banking industry in Columbus, Ohio. • Moved to Clermont to help care for in-laws.
• Steve’s family includes wife Linda Smith, four adult children and 11 grandchildren.
How did your work helping the homeless begin? After coming to Clermont, I started seeing so many people losing their jobs and homes. I formed a faith-based nonprofit homeless service provider called New Beginnings with the intention of helping these struggling families recover from their dire situation. That was in 2007, and over the years since then this ministry has helped thousands rebuild and transform their lives.
What is your role in bringing affordable housing to Lake County? In 2017 I turned over the New Beginnings’ executive director role and formed Provident Housing Solutions, a nonprofit housing developer, to focus my time creating more affordable housing to help ease this growing need in central Florida. Then, in 2018, I created a beautiful 96-unit workforce affordable rental community in Clermont called Woodwinds. The Florida Housing Coalition awarded the Woodwinds community the Sadowski Award for its beauty and I was given the title “Mayor of Woodwinds” at its grand opening ceremony.
Why is affordable housing so important? There are many agencies in Lake County that help those in need, but the lack of affordable housing is the number one problem in this area, which is why it is my number one focus. What other related group did you start? To bring awareness
Steve Smith at Woodwinds Apartments, Clermont.
to the Lake County residents of the growing affordable housing situation, I also helped form Housing For All Lake of County; a nonprofit advocacy group made up of businesses, churches and government leaders who have been meeting regularly to discuss solutions. It capped off last year with a housing forum hosted by the City of Groveland with Jaimie Ross, CEO of the Florida Housing Coalition, as the keynote speaker.
Biggest success story? My most memorable recent success comes from Woodwinds. It was a long and hard fought six-year challenge from the beginning of my dream to become a reality. I am thanked often from the residents living at Woodwinds, as for many it is their first permanent home and for some children, it is the first time they have had a bedroom of their own.
Best word to describe you? Persistent. Words you live by? TEAM, which stands for “Together Each Accomplishes More.”
Whom do you consider your biggest mentor? God is my CEO and has been my mentor for most of my life as I truly believe that with God at your side all things are possible through prayer and petition.
Know a person of interest? Tell us! Email your recommendation to roxanne@akersmediagroup.com
