ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The City of Gainesville/Alachua County Empowerment Center Oversight Advisory Board has created a Citizens Work Group to assist with homelessness-related issues impacting the Empowerment Center. The Citizens Work Group will gather information from those served and act as policy experts on broader issues. The group will report its recommendations to the Oversight Board and help establish short and long-term priorities.
The Empowerment Center (located at 2845 NE 39th Avenue, Gainesville) includes the Grace Marketplace which provides an indoor shelter, an outdoor shelter pavilion, showers, storage, meals and supportive services, including mental health and substance abuse services for area homeless and those in danger of becoming homeless.
For more information visit the Grace Marketplace website.
The Citizens Work Group will be comprised of up to 15 members, as determined by the Oversight Board. While there are no specific membership categories, people involved in the following activities are encouraged to apply:
- Member of the GRACE Marketplace Resident Council
- Business Community
- Faith-based Community
- Representative from a Neighboring Property
- Alachua County Citizen at Large
- Medical/Healthcare
- Law Enforcement
- Employment Services
- Vocational Rehabilitation
- Behavioral Healthcare
- Social Services Provider
- Education
- Veterans Administration
- Housing
- Legal Services
Members appointed to the Citizens Work Group must comply with all provisions contained in the City of Gainesville and the Alachua County Advisory Board Participation Handbooks, including but not limited to the Florida Sunshine and Public Record Laws.
Applications must be received by Monday, January 12, 2015 to be considered for selection at the Empowerment Center Oversight Advisory Board’s January 14, 2015 meeting.
For more information and to obtain an application contact Tom Tonkavich, Staff Liaison, @ ttonkavich@alachuacounty.us or by calling 352-264-6738.