For more than 16 years, Green has been dedicated to serving Tampa Crossroads, an organization that provides services to individuals with behavioral health conditions, individuals experiencing homelessness, and adults with disabilities. Green started at Tampa Crossroads as an intern and has worked her way up the ranks, now serving as the CEO of this outstanding organization. One of the key pillars of Tampa Crossroads' programming is their rapid rehousing program, which identifies those experiencing homelessness and places them immediately into public housing. This program will cover their rent and utilities for up to one year.
The grant tonight will be used to provide services that are currently not eligible under Tampa Crossroads' current funding structure. Tampa Crossroads has several housing programs designed to provide long-term rental assistance to those experiencing homelessness, including the rapid rehousing program. These programs especially assist those who make enough to pay monthly rent but cannot afford the one-time fees that come with applying for and securing housing. The Lightning Community Hero funds will specifically bridge that gap for families in need, getting some of our most vulnerable a place to call home.
Green became the 477th Lightning Community Hero since Jeff and Penny Vinik introduced the Lightning Community Hero program in 2011-12 with a $10 million, five-season commitment to the Tampa Bay community. Through tonight's game, in total, the Lightning Foundation has granted $24.95 million to more than 600 unique nonprofits in the Greater Tampa Bay area. During the summer of 2021, the Viniks announced that the community hero program will give away another $10 million over the next five seasons.
