Continuum of Care announces increased funding to Family Promise for families needing shelter

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Jacob Torner, Vice President of Programs for the North Central Florida Continuum of Care, released the following statement today regarding the upcoming closure of St. Francis House’s family shelter:

Today, the North Central Florida Continuum of Care Executive Committee took decisive action to direct that Rapid Rehousing funds through our Coordinated Entry process prioritize families impacted by the closure of St. Francis House who would otherwise face unsheltered homelessness. 

Our team has been working at every level behind the scenes, even prior to the public announcement, to ensure a strong safety net is in place. That safety net is now solidified by today’s vote, and we have increased contracted Rapid Rehousing funding to Family Promise to support the stabilization of these families, effective immediately.

We appreciate St. Francis House for its continued service to families in the community, and Family Promise for stepping up when called upon. More than 120 attendees are registered for our March 30 Collaborative Summit on Family Homelessness in Gainesville, where identifying alternative shelter solutions for families will be a top priority. We remain committed to ensuring no family is forced to return to the streets as a result of this closure.