Operation New Hope was founded in 1999 to revitalize Jacksonville’s Historic Springfield, which had been dilapidated for over 30 years. The nonprofit has restored more than 76 homes in Springfield and the Eastside neighborhoods of Jacksonville. The nonprofit is also responsible for the Eastside Community Garden, which provides educational, recreational, and nutritional benefits for the community. Beyond this, the organization works with other community organization to provide guidance and assistance for those in need of basic necessities including clothing, shelter, and training for employment. In 2003, the Bush administration and the Labor Department selected the organization as the national model for the Ready4Work program, providing ex-offenders the assistance to re-enter society and the workforce.
Founded in 2001, Northwest Jacksonville Community Development Corporation revitalizes the community of Northwest Jacksonville through education, housing rehabilitation, and economic development. The organization has begun the construction of the $3.5 million, 10,600-square-foot North Point Town Center, which will consist of offices and stores to economically anchor its surrounding neighborhood. The City of Jacksonville donated the land and provided loans and grants for this project. The organization has also built and sold 67 new homes, while only having a staff size of six people.
Metro North Community Development Corporation, Inc. was founded in 2001 to serve Jacksonville’s urban core and the Northwest neighborhoods. Through residential and commercial revitalization and development, the organization aims to improve the education, health, and quality of life of residents. Their Block-by-Block Initiatives started recently in January 2012 to transform a 20-block area in Jacksonville’s Metro North and Greater Brentwood neighborhoods by December 2014.
LISC Jacksonville was founded in 1999 to provide resources, practitioners, and advocates for community development initiatives. In supporting the increase of affordable homes, 24 homes have been sold in 2009 and construction has begun for 30 more homes in 2010. The nonprofit’s pilot program, Empowering People Inspiring Change (EPIC) Communities, works within Jacksonville’s underserved communities in the Eastside and Northside to stimulate economic development, improve access to quality education, and expand investment in residential and commercial units. The nonprofit hopes the city will invest $2 million in grants, in addition to the $900,000 already granted by The Jessie Ball duPont Fund and The Community Foundation for the EPIC Communities program’s success.
Ability Housing of Northeast Florida is a non-profit organization founded in 1992 that develops and operates affordable rental housing for low-income individuals and families at risk of homelessness or with disabilities. In 2008, the organization purchased an 83-unit complex with a $2 million loan from LISC and Bank of America. After rehabilitating this complex, 42 units will be available for formerly homeless individuals and families, while 41 units will be available to low-income families for half the average market rate rent above $650. The organization has also purchased a 52-unit foreclosed property and is working with HUD to acquire a 60-unit foreclosed complex. In 2009, the organization generated revenue of $900,000, with 73 percent generated from rental and program revenue.
