News Summary
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has issued over $15.6 million to Changing Homelessness, a Jacksonville nonprofit, to combat veteran homelessness. This funding is part of an $83 million statewide initiative. Changing Homelessness aims to expand its programs, addressing unique challenges faced by veterans, despite ongoing difficulties, including claims of rental payment issues. Mayor Lenny Curry supports a coordinated approach to ensure housing stability for veterans, as Community Solutions purchases Caroline Village to assist in providing permanent housing.
Jacksonville – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has allocated over $15.6 million to Changing Homelessness, a nonprofit organization in Jacksonville, to enhance initiatives aimed at combating veteran homelessness. This funding is part of a broader $83 million investment focused on addressing veteran homelessness statewide in Florida.
Changing Homelessness reports that it serves over 1,200 veteran households each month and plans to expand its Supportive Services for Veteran Families program with this new funding. The program includes a variety of essential services such as housing assistance, counseling, transportation, legal aid, and childcare to help veterans and their families stabilize their lives.
While the overall rate of homelessness in Northeast Florida has shown positive trends—with an 8% decrease in the number of individuals in shelters and a notable 49% decline in unsheltered homelessness according to the 2025 Point-in-Time report—veteran homelessness has experienced a slight uptick. This increase highlights the need for ongoing and enhanced support for veterans who may face unique challenges.
Dawn Gilman, CEO of Changing Homelessness, credits their successes to proactive outreach efforts that target both urban and rural communities. The organization is also extending its reach, working across 64 counties in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia with the goal of continuously serving at least 1,200 households every month. This expansion aids in maintaining service levels, a significant milestone for the organization.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist as a Jacksonville landlord has accused Changing Homelessness of failing to pay rents for veterans participating in their program. Reports indicate that some veterans experienced interruptions in rent payments, with issues arising after one to two months of receiving assistance. A former case worker revealed that multiple tenants were disrupted due to these rent payment issues, leading to increased concerns over housing stability.
Legal expert James Tyer noted that the complexities of the application process and inconsistent payment schedules have contributed to some evictions amongst veterans. Changing Homelessness has clarified that financial assistance is issued on a cost-reimbursement basis, meaning funds are disbursed only after expenses are incurred, which can complicate the process for timely rent payments.
The organization adheres to a strict 186-page program guide from the VA designed to prevent fraud and ensure compliance. In a simultaneous effort to secure long-term housing for veterans, Community Solutions, a national nonprofit, has purchased a Jacksonville apartment complex called Caroline Village, which aims to provide permanent housing for homeless veterans, thus addressing the demand for available units.
Jacksonville’s Mayor Lenny Curry has emphasized a coordinated approach to addressing the housing needs of homeless veterans, indicating a city-wide commitment to ensuring accessible housing solutions. The acquisition of Caroline Village will offer dedicated housing for veterans transitioning out of homelessness and will include supportive services tailored for residents of that facility.
Historically, data indicated that Jacksonville’s homeless veteran population included 191 individuals, many of whom needed immediate support. Changing Homelessness has since increased its service coverage and met federal standards, reinforcing the importance of reliable, immediate assistance for veterans facing housing crises. As the organization moves forward with an expanded mission, the need for effective support systems remains paramount in securing stable housing for veterans in the region.
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Additional Resources
- Action News Jax: $156M Grant for Jacksonville Nonprofit
- First Coast News: Jacksonville Non-Profit Awarded Federal Grant
- Jacksonville.com: Multi-Layered Approach Needed for Veterans
- Wikipedia: Veteran Homelessness in the United States
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homelessness
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