A volunteer-run nonprofit that has raised $35,000 in less than a year to keep Boone County students from losing their homes now has the City of Union in its corner.
Matt Turner, president of the Florence Rotary Club, and Jim Ferguson, a past Rotary president and Sunrise of Hope committee co-chair, asked the Union City Commission at its July 20 caucus meeting to help spread the word about the program. The commission agreed. It voted to have Commissioner George Eldridge, superintendent of the communications committee, oversee adding a Sunrise of Hope donation link to the city's official website and social media pages.
The program, a signature initiative of the Rotary Club of Florence Foundation created in partnership with the City of Florence and Boone County Schools, launched in September 2025 to tackle a problem that often stays invisible: students whose families can't cover rent or utilities. Other organizations handle food and clothing. Sunrise of Hope pays landlords and utility companies directly, covering emergency housing costs, past-due rent, security deposits and bills that would otherwise lead to disconnection.
"These students want to learn but they have difficulties when their basic needs are not met," Commissioner John Mefford, a former teacher, said at the July 20 meeting. He said he would like to see the city promote the program.
Families don't apply on their own. School resource officers and Family Resource and Youth Services Center coordinators within Boone County Schools identify students experiencing homelessness or housing instability, then work with the City of Florence Human Services Office to evaluate needs. When existing resources fall short, a request goes to the Sunrise of Hope committee, which sends funds directly to service providers.
The program still needs $3,000 to hit its next fundraising target. Boone County Schools opens the 2026-2027 school year in mid-August, putting the fundraising gap in sharper focus for families heading into a new semester.
Residents who want to donate can visit the Rotary Club of Florence Foundation's Sunrise of Hope page at florencerotary.org. Those with questions can reach Ferguson at 859-907-5466.
Upcoming:
- The next Union City Commission meeting is Aug. 17, at 6 p.m. at 1843 Bristow Drive, Union.
