JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Sulzbacher, in partnership with the duPont Foundation and Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) announced 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.
Mayor Donna Deegan hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday morning at the site.
“If you sweep homeless people off the streets, in a few weeks, they’ll be right back. Everyone’s always looking for the quick fix—but it doesn’t work like that," she said.
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, joined the mayor.
The tiny home village was built in response to Florida’s HB1365 law that went into effect last October — criminalizing sleeping in public spaces.
“It is unattractive to see people lying everywhere, but it’s also a reality that when you have nowhere to lay,” Teach said to News4JAX.
Reports from the city said the cost of arresting an unhoused person is about $7,000.
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.
“So, if they can get the tiny houses and some rehab places for not for the money but actually investing in seeing people do well, I think we will start to see a transformation in the city,” Teach said.
The village is expected to open in late October.