Changing Homelessness

Giving back can look different for everyone. 🧡

On International Day of Charity, we’re thankful for every person, partner, donor, and supporter who chooses to give their time, resources, or support to help make a difference in our community.

Every act of support helps move this work forward, and we’re grateful to have you alongside us as we work to end homelessness!

Don't forget to join our friends at Family Support Services Duval & Nassau Counties at their Breakfast Learning Series tomorrow! 👀

See the post below for all the information on guest speakers and how to join.

Don't forget! The next is Wednesday, Aug. 19, starting at 9 a.m. This session features Duval County Public Schools Teen Parent Service Center and focuses on the health, well-being and social supports that uplift students who are teen parents.

📧 To register for this free virtual event via Teams, email [email protected] or call 904-402-4684.

‼️Important Update‼️

As many of you may have seen, on August 7, the U.S. District Court of Rhode Island issued an order vacating HUD’s FY2026 Continuum of Care Competition Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

👉 What does this mean right now?

According to HUD’s latest guidance:
- The FY2026 CoC NOFO is currently no longer in force.
- The August 26, 2026 application deadline is no longer in effect.
- HUD is unable to accept applications at this time.
- HUD is evaluating the court’s order and considering its legal options, including an appeal.

We know this creates questions for our community, particularly for agencies participating in the local FY2026 CoC process. Additional guidance will be provided by HUD as it becomes available and we will update everyone when we know more.

The first three years of life are a critical period for brain development, with approximately 90% of brain growth occurring before age five. During this time, the brain is highly adaptable and responsive, making early identification and intervention especially important when developmental milestones are not being met.

Early Steps is Florida’s early intervention program designed to support young children with developmental delays or disabilities and their families in the community, helping promote healthy development and improve outcomes during these vital early years.

Join us in this virtual session with guest speaker Camile Velardo, Professional Development and Credentialing Coordinator, Northeastern Early Steps.

📧 To register for this free virtual event, email [email protected] or call 904-402-4684.

Happy 250th birthday, USA ✨

Whether you’re going downtown to view the fireworks or staying in with friends and family at the cookout, we hope everyone has a fun and safe holiday! 🦅🇺🇸

Join us at Sulzbacher Village for our annual backpack giveaway! Thanks to our partnership with VyStar Credit Union, local students will receive backpacks filled with school supplies while families enjoy food, entertainment, and community resources. We can't wait to welcome you on August 1!

Earlier this week, Changing Homelessness hosted a Housing Fair for our veteran clients ages 50 and older 🏡

This was a private event for selected older adults and it was a huge success:
👥 - 28 attendees
📝 - 19 housing applications submitted
🏢 - 11 properties represented

Thank you to all our amazing housing and community partners who showed up to help get our older veterans housed!

We're closed in observance of Juneteenth!

We encourage everyone to check out what's happening in the city today and this weekend and get involved in the community. 🧡

We will be open for regular business hours on Monday, June 22.

ICYMI 👀

We're excited to share HUD’s release of the FY2026 Continuum of Care (CoC) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

This week, we're hosting two (2) Zoom meetings for the Mandatory Bidder's Conferences. You only need to attend one of the meetings, if you plan to apply.

We encourage all nonprofits and faith-based organizations to review the NOFO and consider submitting an application. Please submit any questions, or if you'd like to register for the Bidder's Conferences, to [email protected] 😊

The NOFO can be viewed on our website or at the link in our bio!

"Food costs and housing costs have continued to go up at a pace that's much faster than incomes," said Gilman. "So, even though many of our folks are working, often working full-time, they don't command the salary that allows them to afford transportation, food, medical care, and housing."

Northeast Florida homelessness rises from 2025 to 2026 in Point-In-Time count New data shows 14% increase from last year, while advocates report more working families and seniors struggling to afford housing