Faith-based housing opens for UNF students

Frasatti Newman Hall: "More than just a place to stay…it's a way of life."

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – "More than just a place to stay…it's a way of life." That's the selling point of a new student housing center on Jacksonville's Southside.

Frasatti Newman Hall opened in August, offering college students with a spiritual compass a place to stay. Located off Alumni Way, near the Town Center, this faith-based housing complex is hoping to change the lives of Jacksonville students.

"I did live on campus freshman year. It was great, but housing here is different because you really do know everyone here I've already made so many friends people I didn't even know," said UNF senior & Frasatti Hall employee, Jenelle Vinachi.

Frassati Hall is a brand new student housing complex near the Town Center, not far from UNF, FSCJ and other Jacksonville campuses. What makes this place special is that it is faith based.

"We obviously don't discriminate here. Some people here, yes are religious. Some people are not. It's not a requirement, it's just the fact that you kind of have to respect the fact that this is faith based housing," said Carter Johnson, the General Manager at Frasatti Hall.

Whether Christian, Jewish, Catholic or not religious at all, Jenelle and complex manager, Carter Johnson encourage all college students in the Jacksonville area to come take a look.

"We just want to create the serious academic atmosphere for everybody and hope that we can create a community that is great," said Johnson.

With a courtyard, game rooms, Wi-Fi and computer access -- and not to mention luxurious one, two and four bedroom apartments -- as long as you're a college student looking to promote and achieve strong values and academics, there's a spot for you at Frasatti Hall.

"We do have some spaces left for the Fall so we do have availability with our staff of five on site. They are available 24 hours a day to the students and it's a mixture of students from all different campuses in Jacksonville- whether it be UNF, FSCJ, Florida Coastal, any of those," said Johnson.

We spoke with some UNF students on campus who hadn't heard of the new faith based housing. They say they think it's a good idea and something they will look into.

"A lot of people when they come to college they kind of fall behind with their faith and I think having it at their house thing where they live near sanctuary will be better for them and it will make them stronger," said Latoya Chambers, a sophomore at UNF.

A priest, ministry team, bible studies and retreats are just a few of the faith based activities that are offered. They are there for the students if they are interested - they're not required. For more information, visit www. frassatihall.com or call their office: 904-516-8140.

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