By Troy MacNeill | gargoyle@flagler.edu It was just a dream seven or eight years ago. Now it’s becoming a reality. A non-profit organization plans to break ground on a new shelter for the homeless in St. Johns County. The groundbreaking ceremony is set for 10…
The desk that Judy Dembowski occupies at the St. Francis House is new to her. In a few short weeks, however, she has made it her own, down to her characteristic coffee mug.
In the state of Florida, homeless struggle to obtain IDs, Social Security cards.
Levi Drouillard appears young and unworn in comparison to the men he smokes cigarettes with under the makeshift patio towards the back of the St. Francis House.
After months of planning, Home Again St. Johns has began fundraising and organizing the development of the one-stop center for the homeless on State Road 207. The facility will eventually be home to six, 5,000 sq./ft. buildings providing housing, healthcare, job training, mental health, substance abuse and basic education services.
Home Again St. John’s began as a local non-profit in 2009 with staff support from United Way of St. John’s County. Their goal is to redefine how the county deals with homelessness as well as open doors to more services.
By Alexa Epitropoulos | gargoyle@flagler.edu
Upon first glance, the St. Francis House, a light green, two-story townhouse bursting at the seams with color, appears more like a bed and breakfast than a refuge for the homeless. The differences aren’t only skin deep.
Director Renee Morris, like the St. Francis House, proves that appearances can be deceiving. A petite, well-dressed woman with an assertive, to-the-point demeanor, Morris can be intimidating to a stranger. Closer examination reveals an individual with a profound passion for helping others.
By Alex Bonus | gargoyle@flagler.edu
I feel wrong taking a cookie from a homeless man, but Tim “Dusty” Brown makes it seem ordinary.
He’s lost everything. His family. His job. His health. Misfortune haunts him. Despite trying to get back on his feet, injuries from a car accident stall his progress.
By Matthew Boyle and Caroline Young | gargoyle@flagler.edu
Graphic illustration by Katie Davis
Video by Shannon Rose Greene
Flagler College’s Students In Free Enterprise team will be hosting Cardboard Campout on the West Lawn on Friday, April 2 to raise awareness and money for its newest project, “Containers for a Cause.”
With “Containers for a Cause,” SIFE plans to build homeless transitional housing facilities from about 15 to 20 old railroad shipping containers. SIFE has already received one 40-foot shipping container, a donation from former St. Augustine mayor George Gardner.
By Haley M. Walker | gargoyle@flagler.edu
My sweaty palms are planted firmly on either side of the plate. My mind is racing and it keeps my eyes from meeting my dinner on that plate. I am ravenous, but I can’t force myself to touch the food.
By Caroline Young | cyoung1@flagler.edu
Photo by Matthew Boyle
PHOTO CAPTION: Chuck Riffenburg created the proposal for a Flagler College Hunger Initiative. The initiative will grow food for the hungry and homeless in St. Augustine.
Riffenburg is First Chair of Student Government Association’s Green Committee. Along with friend Joshua Currie, Riffenburg created the Flagler College Hunger Initiative. He is also an intern for CitySprout and is helping build the garden boxes in Lincolnville.