Advocacy/Liaison Opportunities

   The Gator Homeless Coalition, along side other organizations, has been serving meals at the downtown plaza, Thurday nights, at 6 PM for over two months. There has been a desire to take the next step in providing services to those in need. From this desire we have come up wiht some advocate/liaison opportunities. It seems that there plenty of resources available, but knowledge of them is lacking. We hope to fill that void by sharing these opportunities with others.

 

   If you are wondering how you can help. Here is one answer to that question. WARNING: Something so small as having a conversation with someone who is in need can have profound positive results. Positive results may be seen in unpredicted areas -- while direct services which you facilitate may be beneficial, folks are also likely to make positive strides in other areas, perhaps due to their awareness of being in contact with someone who wishes them well and is willing to take action on their behalf. Here are just a few of many service providers you can work with:

 

Helping Hands Clinic:

Every Monday evening, from 5 to 7 PM, there is a free clinic at the First United Methodist Church 419 NE 1st Street. They offer psychiatric services every other Monday. Volunteers sometimes also serve a meal at the church next door. There are several kinds of opportunities depending on volunteer availability.

 

 

The Dome -- St. Vincent DePaul "Home Office":

Built largely by volunteer labor, and with reclaimed materials, once completed this will be a food, clothing, and job-network resource for local homeless folk. Located at SE 7th Avenue between 9th and 10th Streets, the dome is officially the future "home-office" of Rod Rodriguez. Rod is an administrator with the local St. Vincent de Paul chapter, which helps with financial and logistical support for the Home Van. Max helps to coordinate volunteer labor, and intends to manage crews of homeless for ongoing construction projects, once the dome is complete.

 

 

Florida Works:

Florida Works is a state-funded agency (formerly known as "Alachua/Bradford Regional Workforce"), with a satellite office in St. Francis House, open 8AM-5PM Monday through Friday (their larger office is south on 441). They help with work placement, readiness, and follow-through -- from job searching and interview coaching to supplying equipment like boots and tools. Of those who were placed through the program in 2006, around 75 people are known currently employed.

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