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C.O.R.E.
Community Outreach Relief Effort
GRACE Marketplace main campus located at 3055 NE 28th Drive, Gainesville, FL 32609
Partnering with the North Central Florida Alliance for the Hungry and Homeless, C.O.R.E. helped turn a 25 acre correctional institute into a one-stop community center in Gainesville, FL region geared towards the houseless (modeled after Sulzbacher in Jacksonville FL).
The “Gainesville Regional Alachua County Empowerment” (GRACE) Marketplace Center, offers invaluable services to those in need such as: intake and referral, substance abuse and mental health counseling, case management, assistance with public benefit signups (food stamps, Medicaid, SSI/SSDI, and SafeLink phones) wireless internet, computer services, educational classes and workshops, mail, ID cards, overnight parking, extra camping areas, transportation, showers and restrooms, and storage of personal belongings, all located in one location. Clients also learn new skills that they can use to search for employment. There are agricultural initiatives on the campus and meals are provided seven days a week, as well as a working kitchen with culinary training available. There are areas to study (like the lending library and educational classrooms) and R&R areas (like the Welcome Center). They strive to uphold a continuous “safe space” for the homeless, residents, and community to sleep and hangout.
The Grace Marketplace Community Center embraces everyone as a whole, with no discrimination.
“C.O.R.E. has been a resource for us. C.O.R.E. has been a group we can turn to whether we need money raised, whether we need somebody to cover the front desk, or to help carry the heaviest stuff in the hottest part of the season from one side of the campus to another. It’s always been something that we can reach out to core, and they’re there to help us.”
~ Jon DeCarmine (operations director for the Alachua County Coalition for the Homeless and Hungry)
C.O.R.E. is also a part of collection drives, such as:
* Assisting to gather and pass out (at one time) over 400 goody bags full of: thermal blanket, rain poncho, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, tooth-brushes, deodorant, razor, shaving cream, lotions, lip balm, reading glasses, fresh socks, food and candy~ to those that need it.
* Collected and passed out blankets, jackets, new socks, and dress clothes for job interviews
* Go out on the streets talking to the homeless and letting them know of the services offered at the GRACE Marketplace and other local benefit services.
* Assisted with surveys in 2013 to gather the pertinent consensus information, and also find the top needs, concerns, and assistance that is required.
* Assisting with organization and data entry of material and donations on Site
* Assist in the cleaning of GRACE grounds and Dignity Village
* Our President, Blu Fogarty, served on the Board of Directors for NCFAHH (Formally Alachua County Coalition for the Homeless and Hungry) 2014-2016.
* We are continuing to gather and distribute supplies for the GRACE center.
* Donated 400 DVDs for recreation areas at GRACE Marketplace, and to a Haitian relief fund.
* Assisted in acquiring and setting up housing, office, and facility furniture at the GRACE center.
* Working to mandate a long-term continuance of care at GRACE Marketplace and Establish Governess board amongst residents of dignity village to work in accordance with city and GRACE, to officiate and maintain living standards. Strengthening relations, addressing restrictions, hazards, concerns, adequate safety and comfort conditions that comply for all those involved.
* Working to mandate a long-term continuance of care at GRACE Marketplace and Establish Governess board amongst residents of dignity village to work in accordance with city and GRACE, to officiate and maintain living standards. Strengthening relations, addressing restrictions, hazards, concerns, adequate safety and comfort conditions that comply for all those involved.
* Served on the committee to establish new Continuum of Care Board of Directors for new North Central Florida Alliance of Hungry and Homeless.
