What Does Project GRACE mean for:

Business Owners

Small business owners naturally are interested in the reputation and security of their businesses. Many small and large business owners in Alachua County have demonstrated support for the 10-year-plan to end homelessness and for the Grace Marketplace One Stop Center.

Business owners who are interested in the economic future of our county know that job training, affordable housing and access to affordable health care are key components of a good workforce. At every level, these initiatives reduce absenteeism and increase employment, allowing for greater investment in the local economy.

You should know that:

  1. Unemployment and underemployment are leading causes of homelessness in our area.
  2. One in three homeless individuals is employed. Employment ranges from full time work to contract work.
  3. There are 10,000 working families in Alachua County making less than 30% of the median income in this area ($20,357 per year), putting them at risk for losing their housing. A significant number of these families spend over one third of their income on housing.
  4. A two bedroom apartment in Alachua County costs approximately $620 per month. In order to pay for this, a person must earn close to $12/hour. A minimum wage worker needs to work 77 hours a week to afford such an apartment.
  5. The wait list for public housing is 36 to 48 months.
  6. We spend $1 million a year in criminal justice costs associated with homelessness.
  7. A housing subsidy for a family of four costs $3,600 per year, less than half of the $8,700 a year that it costs to support one person in a homeless shelter.

Project Grace initiatives are in line with the goals of business owners. We hope to decrease the number of people without a home and increase the proportion in the homeless population who are skilled and stable employees. Most people who are homeless in Alachua County are “transitional” which means they can succeed – and want to succeed – with a helping hand. Since one fourth of our homeless population is under the age of 18, investment in ending homelessness aids not just the current working generation but the next as well.

How to Help

  1. Donate money, supplies or time.
  2. Provide employment opportunities and mentoring to suitable homeless clients.
  3. Join advisory boards of charities that serve the homeless.

Do you have an employment opportunity or would you like to learn more about employing a homeless individual?

If so, contact: (352) 378-0460

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