In Jacksonville: Homeless Outreach in Hemming Plaza

HUD Senior Management Analyst Michael Daly congratulates a recent VASH Voucher recipient.

HUD Jacksonville staff participated in the Hemming Plaza Community Development Corporation (CDC) third employment outreach event for homeless and homeless veterans in the City's Hemming Plaza, adjacent to City Hall. A self-help-organization formed by Mr. Od' Juan Whitfield and several homeless veterans, the Hemming Plaza CDC recently contracted with the City of Jacksonville to revitalize the perception and reception of veterans re-entering the community.

Employers lined the park interviewing homeless veterans for positions that including radio announcer at 104.5 Radio, Account Representative at Ally Bank, Utility Lineman at the Jacksonville Electric Authority, PETCO Customer Service Representative, and Dock Worker at the Jacksonville Port Authority.

This year's employment outreach drew almost 250 veterans - a 40% increase from the previous two years. Since its inception in 2014, this effort has helped an estimated 130 veterans find permanent employment with Jacksonville area employers.

Od' Juan Whitfield is the Director of the Hemming Plaza Veteran's Resource Center based in the Jacksonville Public Library, just across the street from Hemming Plaza and, "thanked HUD for providing housing information and explaining the VASH Program."

###