CESC, Inc. (The Kearney Center)

The Kearney Center is a 24-hour comprehensive emergency service center that serves as a point of entry into assistance by coordinating services and responding to immediate needs of individuals and families until appropriate permanent housing can be arranged. We opened in April 2015 as a one-stop-shop for individuals experiencing homelessness or economic hardship in the North Florida region. The Kearney Center provides overnight shelter and daytime services that connect clients with social service providers, case management, and housing-focused programs. The most basic needs such as a warm shower and clean clothes are provided as well as information and referrals to a variety of social services in our community.

The Center provides space for state, federal and local governmental agencies, non-profit and faith based organizations to co-locate and provide wrap-around services, including emergency residential services, with a collaborative and collective approach that yields comprehensive solutions to homelessness. It is our policy to help any individual or family regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, religious orientation, or income level. By having an open-door approach, any individual who seeks services at our agency is assessed and connected to resources.

Our mission is to reduce homelessness by providing a safe environment that promotes dignity and respect for individuals in our community who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless. *Volunteers must be 16 years of age to work in kitchen. Preferably 18 and up.