The Oak Harbor Club recently sparkled with hope and community spirit as supporters gathered for the annual Diamonds in the Rough Celebration. Hosted by Camp Haven, this transformative local nonprofit is dedicated to helping men in Indian River County transition from homelessness into productive, independent members of society. The evening served as both a powerful testament to the program’s success and an urgent rallying cry for its future in Vero Beach.
“I’m here to thank you, the donors, for investing in us. Hopefully, through the success stories you see tonight, you’ll see what kind of return you get for your investment,” said Chuck Bradley, Camp Haven’s executive director.
Board President Gordon Stewart highlighted the rigorous standards residents must meet to participate, notably a strict 90-day sobriety requirement prior to entry. The demographic landscape of those seeking help has shifted in recent times, with the current resident population now divided evenly between men actively in recovery and those experiencing homelessness strictly due to modern economic hardships.
The true stars of the evening were the program’s alumni and current residents—the “diamonds” polished by Camp Haven’s dedicated support system. Stories of redemption echoed through the room, showcasing incredible personal victories over addiction, mental health struggles, and economic despair. One resident, who originally arrived on a freezing January night simply looking for a blanket, shared how he instead found a pathway to self-worth. He proudly added that the program has helped him learn how to communicate better and reconnect with his 5-year-old daughter.
Another shining example was Mike Digman, an alumnus who previously spoke at the gala two years ago. Digman returned to share a remarkable update: since graduating from the program, he has successfully expanded his local air conditioning business and purchased his own home. Standing alongside his wife, son, and stepdaughter, he noted that both he and his wife maintain their sobriety today, crediting Camp Haven for laying the foundation for their renewed lives.
Beyond the inspiring testimonies, the gala addressed a critical hurdle looming over the nonprofit’s physical location. Stewart informed attendees about an ongoing eminent domain issue involving the Florida Department of Transportation. Imminent plans to widen the busy intersection of Aviation Boulevard and U.S. 1 will likely consume a significant portion—if not the entirety—of Camp Haven’s current campus.
While the organization has successfully raised funds for its Phase 3 housing objectives, all construction is currently paused until the land dispute is resolved. Stewart estimates that Camp Haven will need to raise an additional $1.3 million to $1.5 million above the state’s compensation to secure a new, permanent campus.
A Community Call to Action
To ignite this vital fundraising effort, Stewart and his wife Linda issued a generous $50,000 matching challenge grant. Local auctioneer Wesley Davis then led an impassioned call to the heart, prompting a wave of raised paddles across the room as the Treasure Coast community stepped up to the challenge.
The evening also celebrated key community pillars and resources:
- Diamond Award Recipients: Don and Pam Young were honored for their unwavering dedication to Camp Haven’s residents.
- Strategic Partnerships: The nonprofit announced a strengthened alliance with Thrive IRC, a local organization that addresses substance misuse and behavioral health through education, prevention, and vital recovery services.
As Camp Haven looks toward a bright but transitional future, the organization continues to prove that with the right support, lives can be completely rebuilt right here in our community. For more information on how to support this vital organization or to learn more about their mission, locals are encouraged to visit Camp Haven’s official website.
