A new family homeless shelter has opened in St. Augustine, Florida, with the goal of keeping families together during difficult times. The Goff Family Shelter, operated by the St. Augustine Society, a nonprofit organization, is designed to accommodate entire families in need of a place to stay.
A Safe Haven for Families
According to Executive Director Judith Dembowski, separating families can have a detrimental effect on children’s mental and physical well-being. The shelter aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for families to stay together while they get back on their feet.
The shelter has 37 beds and will prioritize families who are most vulnerable, such as those living in cars or camps. Case workers will also provide services to help families find jobs, get their kids to daycare, and access other resources.
The Goff Family Shelter is located in the former headquarters of the Florida Southern Christian Leadership Conference on Washington Street in St. Augustine’s Lincolnville neighborhood.
A Community Effort
The shelter was made possible through funding from the Goff family, as well as federal grants and individual donors. Robert Goff, whose family owned an auto body repair shop, said he was inspired to support the shelter after hearing about the St. Augustine Society’s plans to open a family shelter.
For more information about the St. Augustine Society and the Goff Family Shelter, visit their website or take a tour of the shelter.
Original reporting: Jacksonville Today — read the source article.
