Marion County Community Services and Logos Lodge Recognized with the 2025 State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Award

Marion County Community Services and Logos Lodge have been recognized with the 2025 State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Award from the Florida Housing Coalition. The honor highlights the partnership as a model for providing affordable housing and supporting residents on the path to recovery.

Through SHIP funding, Logos Lodge has expanded its housing capacity for men recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. With board approval, the nonprofit first rehabilitated two single-family homes, increasing its program space from eight to 14 residents. Later, the board approved an additional $350,000 in SHIP funds, allowing Logos Lodge to purchase two more homes the organization was renting. These homes now provide safe, long-term housing for up to six additional men each year.

The impact goes far beyond shelter. Residents at Logos Lodge build a foundation for recovery, employment, and self-sufficiency. The program helps men rebuild relationships, gain new skills, secure meaningful work, and give back to the community.

Founded in 2018, Logos Lodge provides a Christ-centered, structured program that mentors men as they overcome addiction and work toward long-term independence.

The award was formally presented to the Marion County Board of County Commissioners during its Sept. 16 meeting.

"This award is great, but it's not why I do it," said Greg Cronmiller, CEO and co-founder of Logos Lodge. "Why I do it are the people you see up here - these are somebody's sons, these are fathers, these are husbands. Watching God work in their lives and change their lives makes it all worth it."

County Commission Vice Chairman Carl Zalak, III added, "It is so awesome when we have people like this in our community who care about the mission more than they care about themselves. Logos Lodge is creating a great track record of success. Thank you to all of you for guiding other men and legacies to make a difference in Marion County."