JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A News4JAX I-TEAM investigation into a decades-long oversight at a local recovery program has prompted a wave of community support, helping keep the organization afloat as it works to meet costly safety requirements.
The Alco Halfway House, a nonprofit in Jacksonville’s Springfield neighborhood that has helped people recover from drug and alcohol addiction for nearly 60 years, was at risk of closing after a recent inspection revealed the residential building on its property had never been inspected by the fire department.
That discovery meant the facility needed significant upgrades to meet code compliance. Records obtained by the News4JAX I-TEAM confirm there were no previous inspections for the residential portion of the property for the last 59 years.
Executive Director Doug Jones said that since our initial report aired, the response has been overwhelming.
“Since we last spoke, the community has really rallied in an incredible way,” Jones said.
Jones previously told News4JAX the organization did not know how it would move forward. Now, he said that roughly $30,000 in donations has come in from the community.
The facility still needs about $175,000 in repairs to meet a September deadline set by the fire department in order to continue operating and providing sober living housing.
Jones said public awareness played a critical role.
“Until the story came out and the public was aware of what we were going through, we did not know what we were going to do,” he said.
In addition to monetary donations, local businesses have stepped in to help offset the cost of required upgrades. Double S Mechanical is donating a fire suppression system valued at $100,000, while Emergency Systems Inc. is offering discounted installation of fire sprinklers.
City Councilman Jimmy Peluso, who represents District 7, said the situation highlights challenges common in historic areas like Springfield.
“We have a lot of properties where back in the day it was very common for there to be a business and a residential property in the same building,” Peluso said. “JFRD and others probably didn’t realize it was operating as a halfway house to the level that it was.”
Peluso said progress is being made, with permits already pulled for the installation of a new sprinkler system.
Once the fire suppression system is installed, the facility will be able to reopen 13 beds for people in recovery.
While the organization is not yet fully in the clear, Jones said the support has given him hope.
“We’re not out of the woods, but I can see the clearing,” he said. “I want to thank all of the donors and the businesses that have stepped up to keep Alco House alive and operating, and hopefully we can continue operating for another 60 years to provide the recovery in Jacksonville that is so desperately needed.”
Jones said there’s still work to be done, and they are continuing to raise money to get the halfway house back into compliance. The Alco Halfway House continues to operate 100% on private donations.
If you’d like to make a donation, they can be dropped off in person at 1120 Hubbard St. or made online via GoFundMe or Venmo.