CELEBRATING 50 YEARS
Message from our CEO
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As the CEO of Changing Homelessness, I am filled with pride and gratitude as I reflect on our journey over the last 50 years. Our story demonstrates community, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to making a real difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness, and there are many champions.
In 1974, a visionary group of ministers and community members came together with a single goal: to help our unhoused neighbors in downtown Jacksonville. Their dedication set the foundation for what would become a community-wide effort with more than 40+ organizations providing not just shelter, but a path to stability and dignity for everyone facing homelessness.
With every year, our dedication to understanding and helping our neighbors deepens. We’re supporting Northeast Florida as the homelessness lead agency, systems lead and most recently coordinated entry ~ the homeless system access point. We’re administering the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for the Supportive Services for Veterans Families (SSVF) program and have been for 12 years. The SSVF program serves approximately 600 Veterans a year, with more than 5,000 served since inception.
That’s 5,000 neighbors!
We collaborate with national powerhouses like Community Solutions, through the 100,000 Homes, and the Built for Zero initiatives. We are recognized for our efforts by household names like Jeff Bezos Day 1 Families Fund ~ the transformative $2.5 million leadership award recognizes our effective strategies and compassionate services.
As we look back on our achievements, we are reminded that our work is far from over and never, ever, only us. Our neighbors and our community rely on us for hope, and a path to a better future. We are inspired by our past and driven by our mission and remain dedicated to advancing our efforts with the same spirit of innovation, collaboration, and compassion that has guided us since 1974. Thank you for being a part of this journey.
Together, we will continue to change lives, one neighbor, one family at a time.
Dawn Gilman
Changing Homelessness over 50 Years
Give $50 in Honor of 50 Years!
Founding Board Members
Will Evans
Virgil Green
Linda Lanier
Dr. John Pauly
William (Bill) Scheu
Founding Board Members, thank you for your visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to addressing homelessness. Your strategic foresight, compassion, and advocacy have laid the foundation for our mission. As we celebrate 50 years, we are deeply grateful for your pioneering spirit and the significant difference you have made in the lives of so many.
We will continue the work you started with great honor and resolve.
Featured Leader
There is so much more to an organization, and it begins with the foundation – the people who had the vision, the people who have the vision and live the mission daily, and the people who will see it through for years to come.
Over the course of the next eight months, we are sitting down to chat with the people of Changing Homelessness to find out what inspires them.
The first question we asked everyone – where were you in 1974?
Secondly, we asked everyone – where were you in 2001?
I’m often amazed at how our paths in life can lead us to where we’re needed most.
Back in 1974, as faith leaders and citizens in downtown Jacksonville gathered to tackle the challenges of homelessness—I was a young child in Toledo, Ohio, either starting school or wrapping up kindergarten.
Fast forward to 2001, the year Changing Homelessness was incorporated, and my life had taken on a new shape. By then, I had moved to Jacksonville, was happily married, working in the public relations department of a mortgage company, and dedicating time to volunteer for JCCI Forward.
However, when the mortgage industry faced significant challenges, my career trajectory shifted unexpectedly, steering me towards a role where I could truly make an impact. This twist in my journey wasn’t something I planned, but it has filled my work with purpose and passion.
I’m grateful for the unexpected turns that have led me here, and I’m excited to continue working alongside such a dedicated community to make a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness.
Upcoming Events
HOME FOR ALL SNEAKER BALL
THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2024
A 50th Anniversary Celebration Hosted by Hall of Famer, LeRoy Butler
Rock your favorite kicks as Creative Black Tie or Track Suit Fly and join us for a soleful event on Thursday, June 20th from 6 pm – 10 pm at The Jessie filled with good food, good music and good times, as we raise funds to help our neighbors experiencing homelessness.
2ND ANNUAL “MAKE THE CALL” TELETHON
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2024
Changing Homelessness, in partnership with First Coast News, will hold the 2nd annual Make the Call telethon to end homelessness, on Thursday, October 10th from 6 am – 6 pm. It will take place live from WJCT Soundstage, located at 100 Festival Park Avenue and will be available on First Coast News.
MEMORIAL TO HONOR OUR UNHOUSED NEIGHBORS
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2024
Every year on or near the Winter Solstice, our community and communities across the nation pause to honor our neighbors who have passed while experiencing homelessness. We hope you’ll plan to join us and our host partner, City Rescue Mission on December 20th to celebrate the lives of our neighbors.
Registration Information:
For information concerning our registration, please call: 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or visit www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com
Refer to registration number: CH13995
725 PENINSULAR PLACE, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32204 | 844.367.7783 | INFO@CHANGINGHOMELESSNESS.ORG