News Release: 3/28/2019
March 28, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GRACE Housed 650, Will House 300 More by 2019
Homeless advocates push for even bigger numbers
GAINESVILLE, FL ?–? March 28, 2019 – As the only low-barrier emergency shelter in Alachua County, GRACE has found unprecedented success in finding permanent solutions to homelessness. Since their doors opened in 2014, the organization has ended homelessness for more than 650 people and reduced the number of those sleeping on the street by 52%.
These numbers have inspired GRACE to double its annual impact and house another 300 people by the end of 2019. GRACE recently kicked-off The 300 Challenge in hopes of finding 300 people to fundraise $300 to help them reach that goal. “Ending homelessness is possible, and it’s happening right here in our community,” said Jon DeCarmine, GRACE’s Executive Director.
On Monday?, March 25, GRACE celebrated serving their half millionth meal in Cafè 131. “Considering we prepared many of these meals before we had a kitchen, it’s an incredible milestone,” ?said Travis Middleton, Director of Community Engagement. “?We couldn’t have done it without Chef Marty Slevin, our dedicated kitchen crew, volunteers, and meal groups,“? he added.
To serve a meal, volunteer as a greeter, sort donations, or help guests in the computer lab contact: Travis Middleton, Director of Community Engagement at volunteer@gracemarketplace.org? or (352) 792-0800 x104. Donations can be made online at gracemarketplace.org/donate.
ABOUT
GRACE is a low-barrier emergency shelter and one-stop center on a mission to END homelessness in Gainesville and Alachua County. We provide safe shelter and effective services to people without housing and those at risk of homelessness. For more information, visit ?gracemarketplace.org?.
GRACE Housed 650, Will House 300 More by 2019
Homeless advocates push for even bigger numbers
GAINESVILLE, FL ?–? March 28, 2019 – As the only low-barrier emergency shelter in Alachua County, GRACE has found unprecedented success in finding permanent solutions to homelessness. Since their doors opened in 2014, the organization has ended homelessness for more than 650 people and reduced the number of those sleeping on the street by 52%.
These numbers have inspired GRACE to double its annual impact and house another 300 people by the end of 2019. GRACE recently kicked-off The 300 Challenge in hopes of finding 300 people to fundraise $300 to help them reach that goal. “Ending homelessness is possible, and it’s happening right here in our community,” said Jon DeCarmine, GRACE’s Executive Director.
On Monday?, March 25, GRACE celebrated serving their half millionth meal in Cafè 131. “Considering we prepared many of these meals before we had a kitchen, it’s an incredible milestone,” ?said Travis Middleton, Director of Community Engagement. “?We couldn’t have done it without Chef Marty Slevin, our dedicated kitchen crew, volunteers, and meal groups,“? he added.
To serve a meal, volunteer as a greeter, sort donations, or help guests in the computer lab contact: Travis Middleton, Director of Community Engagement at volunteer@gracemarketplace.org? or (352) 792-0800 x104. Donations can be made online at gracemarketplace.org/donate.
ABOUT
GRACE is a low-barrier emergency shelter and one-stop center on a mission to END homelessness in Gainesville and Alachua County. We provide safe shelter and effective services to people without housing and those at risk of homelessness. For more information, visit ?gracemarketplace.org?.
Contact:
Bob Guerriere, Director of Community Relations
bobg@gracemarketplace.org, (352) 871-1526
