As this past Thanksgiving approached, Marsh Creek’s Spoonbill Neighbors organized a food drive in the neighborhood and delivered more than 30 red bags of Thanksgiving meals to families living on the St. Johns County Homeless Coalition campus. Below, Director Jeanne Moeller pens an encouraging letter of thanks and a reminder that helping the less fortunate is a year-round charitable opportunity, and the Coalition a very worthy cause.

One of the blessings of the holiday season is spending time at home with loved ones. It’s a time of celebration, hope, and comfort.   The idea of “home for the holidays” can be a challenge for homeless families. The holidays may not be as hopeful or comforting for those struggling for a safe, stable place to live.   Currently, the Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County provides affordable homes with supportive services for 17 formerly homeless families (21 parents and 46 children).   The homes have allowed these families to get off the streets and it’s amazing to watch what happens when the struggle for shelter is removed from day-to-day worries.   Parents and children start to feel hopeful. Parents start to acquire the skills that will help them to step beyond their life challenges and move forward on the road to self-sufficiency.   Through the generous support of the community over the years, our agency has provided hundreds of families a “home for the holidays” where they are given not just hope and comfort, but the foundation to be joyful in achieving remarkable life-changing accomplishments.   Our latest Impact Story is a perfect example.   Zara Never Gives Up   Just a couple of years ago, a young, pregnant Zara and her 2-year-old son lived in a car on the streets of St. Johns County and faced a grim, uncertain future.   Homeless mothers and their families are more likely to fall and remain under the poverty line due to lack of work or fluctuating income. Without a permanent address, finding employment can be challenging.   She arrived at the Homeless Coalition unemployed and with no high school diploma.   Today, she, her 4-year-old son, and her 2-year-old daughter are thriving in affordable, safe, and stable housing with supportive services on the Homeless Coalition’s 5-acre campus.   In her early 20s, Zara has shown a remarkable determination to overcome hurdles and undertake the steps necessary to build a resilient, and successful life for herself and her young children.   She’s been employed for two years. Recently she started GED preparation at Learn to Read of St. Johns County. She is aiming for an education in homeopathic medicine.   We’ve very proud of her accomplishments and excited for her and her children’s future.   More About Her Journey from Homelessness   Holiday Spirit in Action The Homeless Coalition would like to thank all the community angels for their generosity in providing our families with a joyful Thanksgiving and Christmas. Activities included: Food, Toy Drives and Donations Food Distributions for Residents & Walk-ins Food Pantry Organizing Home Renovations Thanksgiving Dinners Family Adoptions for Gift Giving Holiday Parties for Resident Children November and December Angels Three Grains of Rice Epicure Mirtha Barzaga and Davidson Realty Keller Williams Realty Marsh Creek Spoonbill Neighborhood Vista Cove Condominiums Access Church Memorial Presbyterian Church Youth Group Seventh Day Adventist Youth Group. Please Make a Financial Donation for the Holidays Your financial donation will help to transform the lives of homeless parents and their children in St. Johns County by providing: Safe and decent housing to stabilize their living situation Supportive services to build self-sufficiency Please add us to your list for holiday giving. All donations are tax-deductible.   Transform Lives Today   Many thanks to our donors, volunteers, and small staff who are making a difference in the lives of homeless families and their children in St. Johns County.  Together, we’re working to make the world a better place. The Homeless Coalition Board and staff would like to wish everyone a blessed holiday and joy and peace for the coming year. Jeanne Moeller President Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County Board of Directors   Together, We’re Helping St. Johns County Homeless Families Become Self Sufficient Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County 62 Chapin St. St. Augustine, Florida 32084 (904) 819-0059   Help Today