Clean Water and Safe Housing in Bithlo

Avalon Park Group and Beat Kahli’s Personal Commitment to Neighborly Support

Most of us take it for granted that we have clean water in our homes. What would you do if the water you wanted to drink, take a shower with, or wash your hands in was brown, toxic, or possibly even contaminated with cancer-causing chemicals? You and I would be shocked and would immediately call the County, the HOA office, the community Developer, and anyone we think could help. Additionally, if it were not fixed right away, we would reach out to the media.

Many of our neighbors in Bithlo, literally just over the fence from Avalon Park, Waterford Lakes, Stoneybrook, Eastwood, and UCF, have suffered from water quality issues for many years, as well as many other social and economic challenges that have existed for decades. Last week the Avalon Park Group leadership team and I were joined for lunch at our offices by two of our long-time friends, Pastor Dale Brooks and Tim McKinney. Our relationship with Pastor Dale spans over 2 decades where he has served as a spiritual leader for so many in Avalon Park and east Orlando and were pleased to learn of him joining the efforts in Bithlo. Tim, CEO of United Global Outreach, has also been a long-time neighbor and friend with his work in Transformation Village and beyond. The two explained several

challenges facing the Bithlo community. The lack of public water and utilities is one of the main reasons for the water quality challenges. Residents are forced to use water that has been contaminated by junk yards, an illegal dump and gas stations that have leaked into the ground water over many decades. While Transformation Village has a deep well that services their property, there is a greater need for clean water in many areas in Bithlo. I applaud the work that Tim, Dale and others, including our Town Planner Ross Halle, in their incredible hard work in improving the quality of life for the residents of Bithlo. This time my leaders and I made a commitment to join their initiative.

All of our leaders agreed that we will do whatever it takes to give the opportunity to our neighbors in Bithlo access to clean water. This is not the only live essential basic need missing across our fence, we all believe anybody in Bithlo deserves, the same as in Avalon Park, enough nutrition, proper infrastructure, and a safe home.

I believe that Tim and Dale had it right when they said that all the challenges facing Bithlo are solvable. There is no doubt that it will take time, but what is missing is a collective determination, the kind of all-out mobilization you would surely see if Avalon Park had brown water coming out of their taps. I personally, along

with my team at Avalon Park Group have made a commitment to give our neighbors in Bithlo access to essential basic needs, including clean water, food, clothing and a safe place to call home, that so many of us take for granted.

AVALON PARK GROUP & BEAT KAHLI’S PERSONAL COMMITMENT TO OUR NEIGHBORS IN BITHLO

1. We have committed to order and pay for the needed sewer system investments (Pipe, Tanks, Etc.) for Transformation Village in Bithlo.

2. We will continue to assist Pastor Dale in his efforts to provide quality nutrition opportunities in Bithlo through community dinners and any other means to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry. We will pay for food and help with associated logistics, including new infrastructure.

3. We will help United Global Outreach, in the planning, design, and building at our cost a minimum of 10 small homes to ensure that safe, quality, affordable housing is available in Bithlo.

ACCOUNTABILITY

To prove our commitment and see it through to fruition, we will remain accountable to you by the following means:

1. We will write in the Avalon Park Sun every month about progress made and goals for the month to come.

2. We will be open to anybody who wants to discuss plans, ideas and initiatives with the vision of bringing our neighbors closer to having the basic needs in life.

3. We will open our books about all money spent for the cause of our neighbors in Bithlo. We will disclose vendors and all other relevant matters in order to have full transparency about Avalon Park Group’s efforts for Bithlo.

ALL OUT CALL TO MOBILIZATION

As I have seen time and time again, this community comes together when there is a need. Our neighbors have a giant need, and we are calling on our friends and neighbors in Avalon Park and east Orlando to join the charge. Whether you are willing to support in your time, talent or treasure, your assistance is needed. To find out how you can get involved you can reach out to Tim (407- 810-2214), Pastor Dale (407- 497-8545), or myself and my team (407-658-6565).

Again, think about what you would do if your home had poor water quality. You would do anything and everything to stop it. I am asking you to do the same for our neighbors in Bithlo with the same urgency.