JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The City of Jacksonville is partnering with a local nonprofit for a pilot program to provide affordable housing to 25 unsheltered citizens. The move comes weeks after a Florida law went into effect, banning public sleeping.
The nonprofit Ability Housing announced the Permanent Supportive Housing Pilot Program on Tuesday. The pilot program, funded by a $500,00 grant, will offer affordable housing with individualized support services for unsheltered "chronically homeless citizens."
Ability Housing secured a master lease for apartments throughout the community for the 25 participants. The nonprofit said it assists residents with furnishings, household necessities and rental assistance and ensures participants do not pay more than 30% of their income for housing and utilities.
"No one should be living on our streets; it is not good for the person or the community and it is very expensive. Ability Housing has proven that providing Permanent Supportive Housing is 30% less expensive than it is to maintain someone as chronically homeless," said President and CEO of Ability Housing Shannon Nazworth.
Nazworth believes the pilot program shows the city is dedicated to implementing real solutions to help end homelessness.
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan and former Jacksonville City Council President Ron Salem spearheaded the initiative.
"This pilot is an important step to finding sustainable solutions for the members of our community struggling with homelessness," said Salem. "This is about more than just providing shelter, it is about transformational support to help lift up some of our most vulnerable citizens so they can rebuild their lives."
RELATED: Mayor Deegan: City has plan to address new Florida law banning public sleeping, but needs more money
In July, Deegan outlined a 12-step plan to comply with the new Unauthorized Public Camping and Public Sleeping law. The plan included expanding shelter capacity, increasing homeless outreach, developing 24/7 intake plans and building a temporary 100-bed shelter.
Deegan's plan outlines the goal to achieve "functional zero" in Jacksonville, meaning the number of individuals who become homeless is the same number of people who find permanent housing during the same year.
"It is vital that we as a community come together to reduce homelessness," Deegan said. "The Permanent Supportive Housing Pilot Program is an opportunity to create a better life for the participants and to build a brighter future for our entire city."