Walking With SALT: My Journey on the Leadership Council

Certain chapters in life feel less like a coincidence and more like destiny. My connection to SALT Outreach is one of those chapters.

I met Eric Camarillo, SALT’s founder, in 2015 when we both finished our Master’s in Nonprofit Management at the University of Central Florida. His heart for service was undeniable. I had the privilege of helping him submit SALT’s 1023 form, marking the official beginning of what would become one of the most impactful outreach organizations in Central Florida. Watching Eric turn a dream into an anchor for so many in our community has been inspiring.

Fast-forward to today, and I’ve served on the SALT Leadership Council for four years. Most recently, I had the chance to tour SALT’s new Youth Center for Our Unsheltered. As I walked through the space, I thought about the many lives this place would touch.

Modern youth center reading and job searching area, featuring vibrant murals and comfortable workspaces for community engagement.

I've had the pleasure of volunteering with SALT, and I once met a man who was forced into homelessness after being kicked out by his partner. With no legal documents in his hand and no local family, his life changed overnight. It was a heartbreaking reminder that sometimes, homelessness isn’t the result of poor decisions but rather a series of unfortunate events—events that could happen to any of us. That experience broke down my assumptions and taught me the power of presence and non-judgment.

While my life has been privileged in many ways, being part of SALT has opened my eyes and heart even more deeply. It’s easy to take for granted the stability of a roof over your head, the comfort of having loved ones nearby, or even the simple dignity of privacy and safety. What strikes me most when I listen to the stories of those SALT serves is not just the material hardship—they’re often also navigating the deep loneliness of not having someone to call, somewhere to return to, or a system that sees them fully.

That’s where SALT comes in.

SALT Outreach isn’t just about meeting basic needs. It’s about restoring dignity. It’s about offering someone a safe space, a friendly face, and most importantly, trust. I had a wonderful conversation recently with Aurora, SALT’s Vice President of Operations, and her vision moved me. The organization leads with empathy first. People are welcomed without expectation and allowed to build relationships at their own pace. That’s the foundation upon which lasting change is built.

Serving on SALT’s Leadership Council has been one of the most fulfilling roles of my professional and personal life. In a world that often tells us to accumulate more, SALT reminds us that true wealth lies in community, compassion, and service.

If you’ve never heard of SALT Outreach, I invite you to learn more. If you want to schedule a tour or learn more, contact me at andreao@saltoutreach.org.

Super special thank you to Denise Musselwhite and Ivy Bonilla for touring with me!

Touring the new SALT Outreach Youth Center, visitors engage in a lively discussion about the facility's features and programs, surrounded by modern amenities and a welcoming atmosphere.