8A Solving the Problem


The opportunity I have chosen to address is the growing homeless population in Gainesville. The homeless population has continued to grow over the past decade, and many of those demographic tend to suffer from mental illness and health issues.  Certain initiatives have been taken to try to decrease the homeless population in Alachua county and get them back on their feet and into the working population.  For example, in 2005 the City of Gainesville created a Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness, and GRACE Marketplace was established.  GRACE Marketplace offers comprehensive services to help homeless people get back on their feet.  However, it has not been enough.  The homeless population in Alachua county continues to be an issue, and is growing.
The solution I propose is a government-funded comprehensive facility similar to GRACE, but with added benefits—this organization will partner with Gainesville businesses who get a tax break if they hire people coming from the facility.   This will help combat the homeless issue and make the Gainesville workforce more productive.

Comments

  1. Sydney HoyoFebruary 7, 2020 at 11:56 AM

    Hi Julianna! Great start to a solution for the homeless problem here in Gainesville! I think it would be so great if the government could build a facility where those that have no homes can shower, eat, and prepare themselves to try and get into the workforce. I don’t think there are enough places like this and if there are, they are definitely not being talked about enough! Great Post!

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  2. Cason SchneiderFebruary 9, 2020 at 11:11 AM

    Hi Julianna!
    I love your heart in this! This is a big problem and the homeless people here in Gainesville do need more help. Tax breaks on businesses who help this population could very well be the incentive needed to inspire others to jump in and help the homeless get on their feet again. It's hard for places like GRACE to keep helping more people when they are already stretched thin.
    This could really be a great thing, good job!

    Cason Schneider

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  3. Sophia ScherzerFebruary 9, 2020 at 8:17 PM

    Hey Julianna,
    I am happy to hear someone is interested in solving such a major issue for this County. The homeless population in Alachua is up to 641 with only 191 in shelter (According to the North Central Florida Alliance for the Homeless and Hungry). I think tax breaks is a great way to get businesses involved in the rehabilitation of the homeless. I am interested in how this organization would help the homeless get back on their feet!

    ~ Sophia Scherzer

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  4. Tyler JacobsFebruary 10, 2020 at 11:33 AM

    Hi Julianna, thank you for the thoughtful solution. I am glad you included the tax incentives for businesses that can hire people coming from Grace marketplace. It would be interesting to consider the competing incentives for businesses - on one hand, they desire trustworthy employers, but on the other hand there is profit through the tax incentive. There may be ease of entry into another program like Grace marketplace, given that grace marketplace is probably over committed with the increase in the homeless population. Thanks!

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