ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – “On a waiting list.”
That’s what some people say when trying to get into homeless housing in St. Johns County. The Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County is working to change that by expanding its services and housing options — but it will need more funding to meet the growing need.
In a cozy neighborhood on Chapin Street, the coalition operates multiple homes close together that serve as temporary housing for families experiencing homelessness. Just beyond a wooden fence off Nesbit Street, plans are underway to build 16 new homes as part of a two-phase expansion.
A woman who has benefited from the coalition’s support over the past two years shared how the coalition helped her after she naturalized and had a baby.
“I had no family here in America,” she said. “It was really necessary, because I had one kid at the time, and I’m not the type of person who wants to be sleeping in my car or in a shelter. I’m really a hard worker.”
She has since moved into one of the coalition’s permanent transitional homes. “Right now here, they’re helping us save some money so we can move out to our own place and do a better future for us and our kids,” she said.
Executive Director Debi Redding explained the rising demand for the coalition’s services. “We went from 5,000 people coming in for food in 2023 to over 8,000 in 2024. Food insecurity is on the rise,” she said.
The expansion will add eight duplexes, totaling 16 additional units. These will include two- and three-bedroom homes designed to house families in need.
According to Florida Health charts, 442 people are experiencing homelessness in St. Johns County, a number that has slightly increased since 2022. Currently, the coalition houses 23 families and provides education and support to help them transition from the streets to stable housing.
The housing serves as a stopgap, providing families a place to get back on their feet and work toward affording to live independently in St. Johns County, Redding explained.
The coalition says 94% of the families they serve are employed, and each home has affordable lease agreements. Forty-two of the people they serve are children and their families.
While the coalition receives some funding from grants, the county, United Way, and the state, Redding emphasized the need for additional resources. “We are debt free, and we want to remain debt free, so we are going to need to cobble together a whole lot of money to be able to build this,” she said.
When asked about the cost, Redding estimated the project would require $3 million to $5 million to become a reality. She says the plan would take several years.
Click here for more information about Homeless Coalition St. Johns County.