November is National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month. Although the month of November is coming to an end, this is an issue that deserves awareness all year.
According to PBS.org, homeless is defined as a person who lacks a fixed, regular and adequate night-time residence. It is estimated that around 3.5 million people will experience homelessness each year – of these, more than 1 million are children. And unfortunately, this is an epidemic that is growing – according to The Homelessness Research Institute at the National Alliance to End Homelessness, homelessness is estimated to increase by 5 percent in the next three years.
There is not one single cause that leads to homelessness. The vast majority of individuals and families who are now homeless became so by a life-altering event or series of events that were unexpected and unplanned for. Some of the leading causes of homelessness are the loss of loved ones, job loss, divorce, family disputes and domestic violence.
Domestic Violence and Homelessness
Domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women and children. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, 50 percent of homeless women and children are fleeing abuse. Also, around 39% of cities in the United States have cited domestic violence as the primary cause of family homelessness (nationalhomeless.org).
Often times, a person who is experiencing abuse and has little resources feel that they have nowhere to turn. This leaves the victim with the choice of staying with the abuser or leaving and becoming homeless. Hubbard House, the domestic violence center serving Duval and Baker counties in Northeast Florida, is a safe environment that can aid these victims in returning to an abuse-free life. The shelter housed 1,105 victims of domestic violence last year who were seeking refuge from abuse. Hubbard House not only offers food, clothing and shelter, it also offers counseling and guidance to help victims begin living a peaceful life.
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence or homelessness and may need help, please see the resources below:
Domestic Violence
Hubbard House
Hubbard House is the domestic violence center serving Duval and Baker counties. Hubbard House provides emergency shelter, extensive adult and youth outreach services, school-based education, therapeutic childcare, batterers’ intervention programs and court advocacy.
24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 904-354-3114 or 800-500-1119
www.hubbardhouse.org
Homelessness
The Clara White Mission
The Clara White Mission offers job training in educational programs, daily feedings, advancement and more.
613 West Ashley St., Jacksonville, FL 32202
904-354-4162
Community Connections
Community Connections connects women, children and families with a wide variety of resources such as homeless housing, after school programs, special literacy programs, etc.
1839 South Lane Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32210
904-786-6886
www.communityconnectionsjax.org
Mission House
Mission House welcomes those in need of assistance and provides meals, clothing, showers and help in securing stable employment, stable medical care and stable housing.
800 Shetter Ave., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
904-241-6767
Sulzbacher Center
The Sulzbacher Center offers safe shelter, case management, medical, dental and mental health care, daily meals, job placement, assistance and life skills, specialized children’s services and street outreach.
611 East Adams St., Jacksonville, FL 32202
904-359-0457
Hunger
Second Harvest North Florida
Second Harvest North Florida provides the following programs: Kids Café, Backpack Program, Mobile Pantry, Recovered Food Sharing and SNAP Outreach Program.
1502 Jessie St., Jacksonville, FL. 32206
904-353-3663
Mandarin Food Bank
Mandarin Food Bank provides emergency food and clothing to those in need in the Mandarin community.
11730 Old Saint Augustine Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32258
904-292-1675
Jewish Family and Community Services
The Jewish Family and Community Services food pantry is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1p.m. – 3p.m. Food may be received up to three times in a 12 month period.
6261 Dupont Station Court, East, Jacksonville, FL. 32217
904-448-1933
www.jfcsjax.org
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship please call the Hubbard House 24-hour domestic violence hotline at (904) 354-3114 or (800) 500-1119. Hubbard House can help.
ABOUT HUBBARD HOUSE: Founded as the first domestic violence shelter in Florida in 1976, Hubbard House is a certified, comprehensive domestic violence center providing programs and services to more than 5,000 women, children, and men annually in Duval and Baker counties. While Hubbard House is most known for its emergency shelter, the agency also provides extensive adult and youth outreach services, school-based education, therapeutic childcare, batterers’ intervention programs, court advocacy and volunteer and community education opportunities. Visit www.hubbardhouse.org to learn more.