News and Public Media for North Central Florida

Grace Marketplace Set To Close Pavilion and Chapel

A local homeless shelter will no longer offer two of its staple services.

On Oct. 3, Grace Marketplace, a “one-stop” shelter for the homeless, is closing its outdoor pavilion and chapel.

Inside of the chapel at Grace Marketplace, which is set to close on Oct. 1
Kali Kavouklis / WUFT News

Jon DeCarmine, director of operations at Grace Marketplace, said that the shelter is experiencing a monthly shortfall of $20,000, with the cost of utilities being the largest expense. The closing of the two buildings will save the shelter up to $3,000 a month.

DeCarmine said the pavilion, which currently houses 50 of the individuals at the shelter, was never meant to be permanent.

The marketplace plans to open its first indoor dorm on the same day as the closings. The dorm will hold 10 women and 10 men.

“Anyone who is interested in coming inside we’ll make space for,” DeCarmine said.

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