JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Members of the Interfaith Coalition for Action, Reconciliation and Empowerment (ICARE) gathered at Jacksonville City Hall to urge city leaders to take stronger action to address the city’s affordable housing crisis.
ICARE members attended Mayor Donna Deegan’s budget presentation wearing yellow to honor families and neighbors experiencing housing insecurity while calling on the City Council to establish a dedicated affordable housing trust fund.
According to ICARE, Jacksonville lacks sufficient affordable housing for low-income families. The organization notes that a single parent with two children working a minimum-wage job would need to work more than 100 hours per week to afford a two-bedroom apartment. ICARE also cites data indicating that approximately 40% of Northeast Florida families struggle to make ends meet.
The coalition supports creating an affordable housing trust fund—a dedicated funding source used to build, preserve, and expand affordable housing. More than 850 affordable housing trust funds operate across the United States, generating billions of dollars to increase housing opportunities.
During ICARE’s Nehemiah Assembly earlier this year, Mayor Deegan expressed support for establishing a housing trust fund in Jacksonville. ICARE leaders say they will continue working with the mayor and City Council to ensure affordable housing remains a top budget priority for working families, seniors, and residents facing housing challenges.
For more info visit www.icarejax.org
Be the first to comment