A local nonprofit is getting some major upgrades to its kitchen and dining area, allowing people in need to feel a little more at home this holiday season and helping people receive more warm meals.

"A cake for grown-ups can put a smile on a person's face, I've had cakes that have made people cry, emotional," said Tavares Evans, a client at the Homeless Empowerment Program.

Evans baked his first cake in years on Wednesday.

"I used to be a celebrity cake artist..And things kind of went downhill during the pandemic, so I'm getting back on my feet as a client though HEP," said Evans.

He is one of many people who receive help from HEP, the Homeless Empowerment Program in Clearwater, and the cake he baked on Wednesday was a way to say thank you to the organization.

"They've helped me bounc

See Full Page