Empower Network Committed to Helping the Homeless

SAINT PETERSBURG, Fla., Dec. 30, 2013 -- Empower Network spent much of the past year fulfilling one of its most enduring company tenets: to aid in the eradication of homelessness in the U.S. and worldwide through donations and service.

Throughout the past year, Empower Network provided more than $120,000 in funds and services to numerous homeless organizations nationwide.

Prior to founding Empower Network, co-founders David Sharpe and David Wood experienced homeless life themselves. The successful company has more than 200,000 customers and grew sales from zero to $60 million in less than two years. Despite such gains, the two entrepreneurs' pasts continue to influence them strongly, and they run an organization committed to helping those less fortunate.

"At Empower Network, we promote a culture that empowers others in their lives and their work," said CEO Jonathan Cronstedt. "Remembering that two previously homeless men founded Empower Network is a constant reminder to work toward the betterment of others. As we continue our growth, we'll also continue our dedication to those without homes by sharing our resources to provide food, clothing and shelter to those in need."

In the first quarter, at an Empower Network event, the company presented the Austin Habitat for Humanity with a $66,000 donation, which built an Austin-based home, dedicated in July, for a mother and her children.

During Empower Network's second-quarter conference, attendees raised more than $37,000 for the American Red Cross of Eastern Massachusetts to aid the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.

In an effort to expand its reach and focus its giving, Empower Network announced a partnership with 100,000 Homes, a national non-profit organization dedicated to finding permanent housing for 100,000 vulnerable and chronically homeless individuals and families nationwide.

This year Empower Network donated a total of $20,000 to 100,000 Homes and its local partners. The company's first donation in the partnership was at its third-quarter conference in Denver - Empower Network donated $10,000 to Denver's Road Home, a homelessness charity and 100,000 Homes partner. The company donated another $10,000 during its fourth-quarter regional conference tour to OC Community Services in Anaheim, Calif.; CitySquare in Dallas, Texas; Community Partnership in Washington D.C.; and 100,000 Homes in Orlando, Fla.