City begins relocating downtown Jacksonville homeless camp

Jacksonville, FL. — More than 50 people at the Jefferson Street homeless camp were relocated to extended stay hotels paid for by the city Monday as part of the Pathway to Home Program Mayor Lenny Curry announced last week.

A representative said 53 total people were registered last Wednesday to move into hotel rooms.

The Jefferson site has since grown with more people looking to get help and the city plans to move another 70 people into rooms within the next couple weeks.

Dawn Lockhart, the director of strategic partnerships for the City of Jacksonville, said anyone who needs help should go to the Urban Rest Stop at 611 East Adams Street.

There are also resources there for individuals who need the help.

They now have a dignified place to put their head down at night and receive access to critical access that will help them end homelessness,” she said.

This aid is currently focused on people living at the Jefferson site, and the city’s goal is to get everyone a temporary place to stay.

Housing services, groceries and prepared meals will also be delivered to participants once a week.

Lockhart said while the total homeless population across the city of Jacksonville is down, shelters were cut to 50% capacity during the pandemic, which created a challenge in providing help to those in need.

The city asks locals to consider making donations of: clothing, blankets, toiletries, backpacks, and $5 gift cards (ex. Family Dollar, Burger King, Winn Dixie).

Donations should be made directly to Trinity Rescue Mission located at 622 West Union Street between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

List of Shelters in Jacksonville:

• Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless
• Trinity Rescue Mission
• Youth Crisis Center
• Clara White Mission
• City Rescue Mission

Cox Media Group