On May 30, the Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County celebrated the groundbreaking for Phase 1 of its expansion project.
Beginning at the main campus on West Augustine’s 60 Chapin Street along Palmer Avenue, improvements include a new maintenance building, an expanded food pantry, an office building, a basketball court, children’s education center, a retention pond and additional housing for St Augustine’s homeless population.
Coalition Board President Jeanne Moeller, Executive Director Debi Redding, St. Augustine Commissioner Cynthia Garris, County Commissioners Ann Taylor and Clay Murphy, former County Commissioner Henry Dean, and Joe Cone, the county’s assistant director of Human Services, were among the many to welcome the coalition, supporters, media and volunteers.
“You’ve taken a piece of land and turned it into a sanctuary of hope, resilience and second chances for families facing unimaginable challenges,” Taylor said.
Taylor described the improvement plan as more than a structure.
“It’s a promise,” she said. “A promise that we see you, we support you, and we’re committed to ensuring that every child and parent in our community has the chance to thrive.”
Taylor thanked the Coalition team, the volunteers and supporters for their tireless work.
“This is not just about housing—it’s about dignity, opportunity, and stability,” she said. “It’s about moving from surviving to succeeding.”
Redding said the groundbreaking ceremony was a significant milestone and symbolic gesture that brought project stakeholders, contractors, and the community together to celebrate the beginning of something special.
“Thank you for coming to share this exciting moment in our mission,” she said. “And a final word of thanks to all those who donated their time, talents and much-needed funding. This truly is a transformational moment in our history.”
Garris, an advocate for the homeless, said that everyone in St. Johns County deserves a home.
“If everyone takes the time to embrace homelessness, whether it’s volunteering or writing a check, whatever you can do to make this reality happen, it is truly so important,” she said. “This is a movement. The coalition helps families build their character to go into our community and build a better life.”
Garris underscored her gratitude to every “boots on the ground” individual that helped to make the groundbreaking a reality.
About The Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County
The Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County provides supportive services for the county’s chronically homeless, including those in West Augustine.
Programs include:
This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County adding housing and amenities to West Augustine campus
Reporting by Lucia Viti, St. Augustine Record / St. Augustine Record
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