Where our helping hands began
What began in her kitchen has grown into a mission of hope for our community
My mother, Gertrude Orelia Rogers, showed me what it truly meant to serve others. She taught me how to cook, not just to feed people, but to care for them. She spent her life helping anyone who needed a warm meal, a kind word, or a steady hand. Her generosity wasn’t a gesture — it was a way of life.
Gertie’s Helping Hands exists because her example shaped who I am and how I show up for my community. Every meal we prepare, every person we support, and every effort to end homelessness is a continuation of the love she poured into others. My hands are an extension of her hands, and this work is the legacy she left behind.
Fundraising Campaigns
We are launching a combined fundraising goal of $200,000 to support our three major initiatives: the mobile shelter project, our Annual Christmas Party, and the ongoing distribution of essential supplies. These efforts meet immediate needs, but our mission reaches far beyond a hot meal, a clean shower, or a warm night’s rest. We are committed to restoring dignity, building trust, and offering hope to those who feel forgotten.
Donors are welcome to give anonymously; however, please note that anonymous donations cannot receive a tax credit receipt. If you would like documentation for tax purposes, be sure to include your name and contact information at the time of giving.
At the heart of our work is the belief that compassion changes lives. We believe in humanity, and we believe that God uses people to fund His vision and move His work forward. When you give, you’re not just meeting a need — you’re becoming part of something bigger: a mission rooted in love, faith, and community.
Mobile Shelter
$175,000
A repurposed “dignity bus” is designed to give individuals experiencing homelessness a safe, warm place to sleep, especially on freezing winter nights.
This mobile shelter provides clean bedding, personal space, security, and dignity for people who would otherwise remain outside with nowhere to go. Your support can help bring this life-saving resource to our community, offering comfort, protection, and hope when it’s needed most.
Every contribution, big or small, moves us closer to giving our unhoused neighbors a warm night’s rest and a reminder that they are not forgotten.
Annual Christmas Party
$1 – $1000
Each year, we host our annual Christmas party, a joyful gathering filled with food, fun, and meaningful giveaways for our unsheltered and undersheltered neighbors.
In the spirit of the Christmas season, we aim to share warmth, dignity, and compassion with those who need it most. A mobile shower trailer is available on-site, offering guests a fresh start before enjoying the festivities.
Our giveaways include practical and uplifting items such as bicycles, sweatsuits, boots, shoes, flashlights, wristwatches, and more.
To continue blessing our community in this special way, we rely on the generosity of supporters. Your contribution helps us create a Christmas experience filled with kindness, care, and hope for our unhoused neighbors.
Miscellaneous Items
$0 – $100
Essential everyday items bring comfort, cleanliness, and dignity to those experiencing homelessness.
These include hygiene supplies like baby wipes, toilet tissue, and sanitary products, as well as practical necessities such as blankets, sleeping bags, clothing, and tents.
We also distribute easy-to-eat food items — from canned meats and soups to peanut butter, fruit cups, and simple pantry staples.
Your donation helps us keep these critical supplies stocked so we can respond quickly and consistently to the needs of our unhoused neighbors. Every dollar helps us place real support into real hands, one essential item at a time.
More Ways To Give
Our Progress
See how far your support has taken us
The Goal
Our Mission
To eradicate homelessness, one person at a time.
Whether it’s a warm meal, critical resources, or a pathway to housing, each action we take brings us closer to a community where everyone has a safe place to call home.
The Outlook
Our Vision
We are committed to improving the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness and restoring dignity to those we serve. We provide hot meals and essential support to members of our community in need.
Our vision extends beyond providing a warm plate of food — it is about creating a foundation of trust, compassion, and dignity for every person we encounter. A hot meal can be the first step toward hope, opening the door to deeper support and life-changing resources. By showing up consistently and meeting people where they are, we aim to bridge the gap between crisis and stability.
Through outreach, empathy, and community collaboration, we work to address the immediate challenges of homelessness while also encouraging long-term growth and independence. Each act of service, no matter how small, contributes to a stronger, more caring community where every individual is seen, valued, and given the opportunity to rebuild their life with dignity.
About the Founder
Meet The Owner
I am Carmen Rogers, a born-again believer in the Kingdom of Heaven. I truly love the Lord and His people, and I believe we are Jesus’ hands and feet in the earth. I am the mother of one daughter and have also raised my nephew. I am discipled regularly at Citadel of Hope in Leesburg, where I am learning to love my neighbors as myself.
Professionally, I have worked as a Correctional Officer and a restaurant manager. I have also owned three businesses, including a catering company, a Mary Kay independent beauty and consultant, and my favorite venture, Divine Cakes and Pies.
Join Us in Making a Difference
With our actions rooted in faith, we serve our clients wholeheartedly while promoting unity and compassion in every community we impact.
Partners in Purpose
Standing Together to Make Impact Possible
We are grateful for every sponsor and partner who chooses to sow into this vision. Your support helps us reach more people, serve our community, and continue the work we’ve been called to do. Thank you for walking alongside us.
Friends of the Homeless
Betty's Little House
Fruitland Park
Pastor Roy & Mana Del Rey Ministries
SALT
Service and Love Together
Christian Benevolence Center
Lives Reached
Nourishment Offered With Care
Every plate we serve represents a moment of comfort and a reminder that no one in our community is forgotten.
Hands That Helped
Community members who have shared their time and kindness
These volunteers joined us with open hearts, strengthening our mission by showing up for those who need encouragement the most.