Jacksonville offers emergency grants to the homeless.
The homeless, victims of abuse, the impoverished, the sick--these are the people in life who have been dealt one bad hand too many. The city of Jacksonville, Florida, offers several grant programs to support these target populations.
Public Service Grant Program
Nonprofit agencies in Jacksonville may apply for a public service grant up of to 24 percent of its average yearly revenues. Agencies that are at least three years old and that serve target populations, including the homeless, victims of abuse, those with disabilities and those that live in high-crime neighborhoods, may apply. Online applications are due in March for the following year. Grants may be used to cover such services as providing shelter, counseling, health care, referral to other agencies, education, occupational therapy, financial assistance, treatment for addictions and legal aid.
The public service grant newsletter The Junction describes a success story. After receiving a public service grant, Jacksonville Area Legal Aid was able to help an abused woman and her four children get an injunction against her violent husband and start divorce proceedings. The family is now safe and the mother was able to finish school to become a nurse and support her kids.
Community Development Block Grant Program
Nonprofit organizations or corporations may apply for a Community Development Block Grant. Grants may be used to improve housing, community buildings, services and the economic sustainability of low- to moderate-income neighborhoods. Examples of suitable activities include buying an abandoned building and turning it into a community center or providing job-training and employment opportunities to members of the neighborhood. Interested agencies must attend a meeting to learn about the application process. Meeting times are advertised on the CDBG website and in Jacksonville newspapers. In 2010, meetings were held in January.
Housing Services
Grants are available for low- to moderate-income homeowners and home buyers through Jacksonville's Housing Services Division. Home buyers may be eligible for a Head Start grant, which helps cover down payment and closing costs. Homeowners may qualify for a grant to cover plumbing emergencies or urgent home repairs. Landlords can apply for financial support to restore apartments they plan to rent out to low- or moderate-income families. The Housing Services Division also directs the Emergency Shelter Grant program. As of 2010, the funds were allocated to the I.M. Sulzbacher Center, which provides shelter and social services to the homeless. Contact the Housing Services Division at 904-255-8200 for information on all of these grants.
Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS
Nonprofit organizations and corporations can apply for a grant to support persons with AIDS. Services may include housing, homelessness prevention, counseling and caregiver services. Applicants must attend a meeting before sending in their application. Check local newspapers or the Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS page for meeting times. In 2010, meetings were held in January.
Tags: Housing Services, Housing Services Division, low- moderate-income, public service, public service grant, service grant, Services Division
