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.
