JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Two Jacksonville nonprofits are organizing supply drives and a large distribution event to help children and families during the government shutdown.
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Shontae Jackson, founder and CEO of Subliminal Dreamz, is working hard to make sure those experiencing homelessness and others in hard times have the resources they desperately need.
“I was homeless. I needed help,” Jackson said. “I was not a child but was an adult and as an adult it was very tough. I remember if I felt like this as an adult, I can only imagine what children feel like.”
Subliminal Dreamz provides mental and behavioral health support, with a particular focus on young people who lack stable housing. Jackson said at least 1,500 children in Duval County are currently experiencing homelessness.
“It makes me feel really bad because I feel like children should never be exposed or overly exposed to the environment or experience experiences like this,” Jackson said.
The drives are collecting nonperishable food, hygiene items, clothing and school supplies in the weeks leading up to a major distribution set for Nov. 22. Organizers said the distribution will be held in the open lot next to the Clara White Mission on Jefferson Street from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition to donated supplies, the event will offer free haircuts and hairstyling.
Donations can be dropped off at the Simonds-Johnson Community Center on Moncrief Road, Subliminal Dreamz headquarters at 1591 W. 31st Street, or the Jacksonville Jazz Society at 1036 Dunn Avenue, Suite 4105.
Holly Payton, program manager for Krumpin 4 Success, said she joined the effort because she is “passionate about community, passionate about helping individuals achieve their goals, and providing whatever resources”
“The passion and gratitude behind the donations, giving kids the essentials, school book bags to notepads to helping parents with resumes. It is a wonderful feeling to be able to help others and the gratitude they give you and the stories that come behind are amazing,” Payton said.
Jackson said volunteers will visit local schools to speak with students about a growing population of 13 to 21-year-olds experiencing homelessness. Monday has been recognized in Jacksonville as Youth Homelessness Awareness Day.
Organizers said the supply drives and the Nov. 22 distribution are part of an effort to both meet immediate needs and connect young people with longer-term mental health and workforce resources.
For more information about donation drop-off times or to volunteer, contact Subliminal Dreamz or visit subliminaldreamz.org.
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