In the Jacksonville, Florida area, a recent survey conducted by Changing Homelessness revealed that over half of the homeless population had recently lost their homes.
The survey found that 71% of those surveyed became homeless due to financial difficulties and not being able to afford basic expenses.
While downtown Jacksonville is a common gathering place for homeless individuals, they represent only a small portion of the overall unhoused population in the region.
Dawn Gilman from Changing Homelessness emphasized that a significant majority of the homeless individuals actually have jobs and are active members of society.
Jasmine Jackson, a single mother of three, experienced this firsthand. On her birthday last July, she and her children became homeless when her husband abandoned them.
Jackson had relocated from New Jersey to Jacksonville, hoping to reunite her family and salvage her marriage. However, she found herself living out of a car with her children, with no support system and nowhere to turn.
The story of Jackson is not unique. Many others in the area are facing similar challenges. Gilman explained that a large percentage of the homeless population consists of ordinary individuals who simply cannot afford the rising costs of rent and other necessities.
Recent data shows that home prices and rents in Jacksonville have increased by nearly 50% since 2018, while wages have not kept up with the same rate of growth.
This concerning trend is particularly impactful for people aged 55 and over, as well as families with young children, who are at risk of becoming homeless. These individuals may find it difficult to secure a second job due to parental responsibilities or age-related limitations.
However, despite the hardships, there are resources available to help. In Jackson’s case, a hotel clerk noticed her and her children parked behind the building and connected her with Family Promise, a local nonprofit organization in Jacksonville that transformed her life.
With their assistance, Jackson was able to enroll her children in school, secure remote work for a bank, and ultimately find a stable home.
Jackson wants to share a message of hope with others who are currently struggling. She emphasizes that although circumstances and life situations can bring someone down, there is always hope and life continues beyond those difficulties.
For anyone facing homelessness or those who know someone in need, there are several organizations available to provide assistance.
