JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A local veteran is expanding his mission to serve people who are homeless in downtown Jacksonville.
Charlie Griffin’s mission has expanded to First Coast Community Development Center at the corner of Ocean and Union streets, and a grand opening was held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
The nonprofit says it offers health care, aims to end hunger and health disparities, and provides “preventative options and a safe place for some of the most overlooked people in the city.”
Griffin, who served in the United States Marine Corps, began his mission two years ago. He has created a following with Facebook Live to show his philanthropy. Now, he, along with a staff of eight people and dozens of volunteers, continues to work to improve the lives of those in need.
Among the volunteers who help is Dr. Albert Chester II.
“Every Saturday, we feed the homeless, so different menus throughout the month, and we have also added another component to help with health care treatment,” Chester said. “So it’s going to be a free clinic for folks who have insurance, and for folks that don’t have insurance, we can help you holistically.”
The center also has health screenings and testing throughout the week. It is open every day except Sunday.
“A lot of people here are lacking the services that they need and a lot of times are forgotten about,” Chester said.
In 2021, Griffin, along with Jason Pugh, volunteered, serving food and providing shelter, at a homeless camp in downtown Jacksonville.