An accurate record of the number of families experiencing homelessness in Alachua County and surrounding areas is nonexistent. According to Patrick Dodds, the director of Continuum of Care in Gainesville, there are currently about 10 homeless families in the coordinated entry system in need of housing assistance. “I think the number’s probably 10 times that,” Dodds said. “Families are often kind of the invisible homeless.”
Read More »Gainesville homeless campers told to move by Dec. 1
The camp is a microcosm of both this year’s housing crisis and the cracks in the local shelter system. Its uncertain future hints at what may be ahead for many more.
Read More »Food banks in Alachua County facing new barriers this season
Food banks and pantries in Alachua County are facing more challenges than usual this season thanks to a rise in the price of groceries, the aftermath of Hurricane Ian and an increase in demand.
Read More »Alachua County health authorities see rise in opioid emergencies despite Naloxone program
Alachua County has seen an overall increase in opioid-related 911 calls over the past six years — more than twice as many calls from 2021 compared to 2015. Numbers from 2022 are still rising. As a state, Florida saw nearly five times as many opioid-related emergencies from 2021 compared to …
Read More »Battle of the bands raises over $25,000 to help end homelessness in Gainesville
An exhilarating atmosphere filled The Wooly on Friday night as about 200 attendees sang and danced while local bands rocked out under the dim red glow of stage lights.
Read More »Florida is planning to make naloxone kits available through county health departments
To address the ongoing opioid crisis, the Florida Department of Health on Wednesday announced a plan to increase access to naloxone throughout the state. The plan is for health departments in all 67 counties to have naloxone kits with two nasal sprays that can be administered without the help of …
Read More »The Point, Aug. 12, 2022: More Florida seniors are seeking housing assistance as rents increase
Florida's largest metropolitan areas have become the least affordable for seniors on Social Security benefits.
Read More »The Point, Aug. 10, 2022: Three constitutional amendment proposals await Florida voters on the November ballot
Here's a rundown of what each one is, along with a preview of one of Alachua County's August school board races.
Read More »Community IDs Enable Undocumented Citizens To Receive COVID-19 Vaccine
Nearly a thousand IDs have been issued by the Human Rights Coalition since 2018, including 73 since the start of this year.
Read More »Advocates: Gainesville’s New Median Ordinance Likely To Affect City’s Homeless Most
For many people struggling with homelessness or income instability, panhandling on a street median is a way of life, but a new Gainesville ordinance is changing this.
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