If there is one word to best describe the philosophy of Home Again St. Johns, it is likely “collaboration.” This small nonprofit organization in St. Johns County is making great strides in their efforts to alleviate our county’s homeless challenges. From its inception, Home Again has been based on the concept of Coordinated Services – utilizing the combined efforts of professional providers, government agencies, individuals, and community organizations toward a common goal. In May of 2015, approval was granted to build a united service center to co-locate all of Home Again’s services at one site. Development of this center, to be known as the One Stop Homeless Service Center, is currently underway.
Kassy Guy-Johanessen is the Director of Development at Home Again St. Johns. According to Kassy, St. Johns County has a larger problem with homelessness than most realize due to a lack of affordable housing. She asserts that alleviating this issue can be done, but not without the support of all of our community members. Kassy invites St. Johns County residents to join the “Home Team” by making an investment in the creation of this much-needed resource in our community.
Services
One Stop Homeless Center, a common service location for the homeless population, was envisioned early in Home Again’s planning stages and is now coming to fruition. The project includes construction of a large multi-use building to house offices, a dining hall and a commercial kitchen; and two housing structures. Home Again’s existing programs will co-locate at the facility with professionals from their Provider Network, offering health care, mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, technical service training, basic education, job placement, and homeless prevention services.
The “Drop In Center,” located at the Home Again offices on State Road 207, provides a place for the homeless to take a hot shower and wash their clothes. Volunteers at the center assist guests by signing them in, showing them how to use the washer and dryer, providing toiletries and towels for showers and offering snacks.
Success Stories
Just in the past year, Home Again has helped over 700 homeless men, women and children with targeted access to vital services focused on ending homelessness. Kassy tells of one such success story, an 18 year old girl kicked out of her foster home at age 17 before she could earn her high school diploma. Due to assistance from Home Again, she is now living in an apartment, working on her GED and preparing to go to college.
How to Help
Volunteers and generous donations from the community are a vital part of the success of Home Again St. Johns. Please visit the Home Again website to contribute a financial donation and to see lists of volunteer opportunities and needed supplies.
1850 State Road 207
(904) 687-6043
