JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Sulzbacher, in partnership with the duPont Foundation and Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) will announce the launch of a 10-unit Tiny Homes pilot program adjacent to its men’s campus in downtown Jacksonville. The collaboration is meant to expand Sulzbacher’s housing capacity.
A ribbon cutting will take place on Wednesday morning at the site, with Mayor Donna Deegan. Representatives of the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, program partner Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Path Program and Synergy Steel of South Carolina, the manufacturing partner for these 10 Tiny Homes, will also be there.
The Tiny home village was built in response of Florida’s HB1365 law that went into effect last October — criminalizing sleeping in public spaces.
The Tiny Homes project will offer JFRD an alternative to calling law enforcement, giving those who cannot or will not enter shelter settings a place to stay.
“This project is about meeting people where they are and offering a safe alternative to life on the streets,” said Cindy Funkhouser, President and CEO of Sulzbacher. “We are thrilled to partner with JFRD, the duPont Foundation, and Synergy Steel to help expand housing options for those who need it most.”
She added, “The launch comes at a critical time, with the new laws around sleeping in public spaces. This could pave the way for more partnerships like this, aimed to expand the number of people and families we’re able to serve.”
As part of the grant funding the project, a dedicated case manager will oversee, assist and guide the temporary tiny homes residents.
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