North Central Florida Continuum of Care awards $291,473 in grants to expand emergency shelter capacity
Press release from TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness is pleased to announce the award of $291,473 in grant funding to three North Central Florida nonprofit organizations. These funds have been allocated in direct response to Florida Statute 125.0231 (House Bill 1365) and are dedicated to addressing the critical issue of unsheltered homelessness by expanding emergency shelter capacity in the region.
Through this funding, 40 emergency shelter beds will be supported across Alachua, Bradford, and Putnam Counties, providing essential resources to individuals and families in crisis:
- GRACE Marketplace in Alachua County will implement an already planned 20-bed emergency shelter project for individuals.
- Family Promise in Bradford County will establish a new 12-bed shelter specifically for families with children experiencing homelessness.
- Lee Conlee House in Putnam County will construct 8 new shelter beds dedicated to survivors of domestic violence
All shelter beds funded by this initiative represent new capacity for the community, addressing a shortage of emergency housing options. This expansion supports the region’s coordinated efforts to provide immediate and critical shelter services to those most in need.
“Unsheltered homelessness remains one of the most pressing challenges our communities face,” said Claudia Tuck, LCSW, Director of Alachua County Community Support Services and Chair of the CoC Leadership Council. “These grants reflect a tangible step forward in ensuring that individuals and families have a safe place to stay while working toward housing. We are honored to partner with our emergency shelter providers in this critical endeavor.”