Hope Preparatory Academy Awarded $60,000 Grant to Strengthen Emergency Shelter Capabilities in South Lake County
Nathaniel Community Gymnasium to receive infrastructure upgrades by summer 2026, including animal-friendly accommodations.
The Live Well Foundation of South Lake has awarded a $60,000 grant to Hope Preparatory Academy to fund emergency weather shelter upgrades at the Nathaniel Community Gymnasium, the foundation announced April 16. Improvements are expected to be completed by summer 2026.
The Extreme Temperature and Emergency Weather Shelter Improvements project will outfit the gymnasium to serve as a climate-controlled refuge during severe weather events. Planned upgrades include a privacy divider curtain system to create organized shelter spaces, 40 to 50 emergency sleeping cots, and additional facility enhancements aimed at doubling overall shelter readiness.
The facility will serve residents across South Lake County, with a focus on those most vulnerable to extreme temperatures and severe weather. The gymnasium will also function as a pet-friendly shelter, allowing residents to seek safety without leaving animals behind.
“This investment reflects our commitment to protecting the health and safety of our community, especially during times of crisis,” said Susan McLean, grants committee chair for the Live Well Foundation of South Lake. “By enhancing South Lake County’s local shelter capabilities, we are helping to ensure that residents have access to safe, supportive spaces when they need them most.”
Goals of the project include reducing health risks from extreme weather exposure, strengthening local disaster preparedness, and improving emergency response infrastructure. The foundation said the initiative supports its broader mission of building long-term community resilience.
For more information about the Live Well Foundation of South Lake and its grantmaking initiatives, visit www.LWFSL.org.
About Live Well Foundation of South Lake
Established in 2019, the Live Well Foundation of South Lake is a private 501(c)(3) foundation dedicated to improving the health and wellness of South Lake County. The Foundation fulfills its mission through strategic grantmaking that supports sustainable, community-based initiatives focused on long-term impact.
Live Well Foundation of South Lake invests in solutions that strengthen individual and community well-being, guided by a commitment to measurable outcomes and responsible stewardship. Its work is grounded in a simple return on investment: better health, for life.