JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A city program aimed at helping people experiencing homelessness in downtown Jacksonville is showing early signs of progress, but city leaders say more work is needed.
Providing Assistance to the Homeless, known as PATH, launched in late 2024 and partners with local agencies, including the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, to connect people with services and reduce street homelessness.
Officials told a Duval DOGE committee this week that PATH has had contact with 2,292 people, the fire department said. Since Nov. 1, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has issued 1,729 camping warnings, made 650 arrests and issued 182 notices to appear in court under the city’s new law. The city’s Homeward Bound program has helped 260 people travel to home communities to reconnect with resources, officials said.
“Anyone that works downtown or spends any time downtown, comparing two years ago to now, there is just a world of difference in the number of homeless people that are on the street,” Councilman Ron Salem said.
Business owners say they have noticed a difference but still see gaps, especially during business hours. Ken Moore, a master barber and owner of International Shaves and Shears, said he sees people congregating in particular areas for food or shelter and believes the city is trying to improve conditions.
“I think the city is doing its best to make that situation better,” Moore said.
During the committee meeting Tuesday, Salem urged the city to open a daytime center for people who must leave Trinity Rescue Mission during the day.
“During the day they empty out the building and those homeless people are just hanging out there with nothing to do, and some days it’s very hot, some days it’s very cold,” he said. “I think we need a facility similar to what Sulzbacher has on the east side of downtown.”
Committee members said they would like the city’s Homelessness Initiatives Commission to fund a day center that could provide services and work opportunities to help people get off the streets, according to Jacksonville Today.