New Goff Family Shelter Opens in St. Augustine, Expanding Housing Support for Families in Need

St. Augustine Society will officially open the Goff Family Shelter on July 1, creating a new resource for families experiencing homelessness in St. Johns County. The organization will welcome the community for a public open house on June 27 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The new shelter marks a significant expansion of housing crisis services in Northeast Florida by providing a dedicated space where parents and children can remain together while receiving support.

According to Joy Case, director of development for St. Augustine Society, the shelter addresses one of the most challenging aspects of family homelessness: separation. “Homelessness forces families into impossible situations,” Case said. “Parents and children may be separated based on age or availability. Siblings can end up in different places. The Goff Family Shelter was created to change that.”

Located in St. Augustine’s Lincolnville neighborhood, the facility occupies a building steeped in Civil Rights history. The structure served as an office for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the organization founded by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National leaders, including Dr. King, Rev. Ralph Abernathy and Andrew Young, visited the site during the Civil Rights era. After Hurricanes Matthew and Irma severely damaged the building, St. Augustine Society restored the property and transformed it into a shelter that reflects the organization’s mission of serving vulnerable community members.

The Goff Family Shelter features nine family rooms and 37 beds. Families staying at the shelter will receive nutritious meals, daily necessities, advocacy services, referrals and connections to community resources designed to help them secure permanent housing.

The project became possible through a major contribution from Fran and Bob Goff, whose support inspired the shelter’s name. “I’ve spent much of my life owning a successful business, and when we learned more about St. Francis House and all that they do, we recognized how well it is run,” Bob Goff said. “This project really spoke to our hearts, and we are honored to leave this legacy for our family.”

Community organizations also played a key role in bringing the shelter to life. Local Rotary Clubs, churches, civic groups, foundations and individual donors sponsored bedrooms and provided furnishings to create welcoming spaces for future residents. During the June 27 open house, guests can tour the facility and hear remarks from Executive Director Judith Dembowski, Development Director Joy Case and Board Chairman Scott Rock. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.

Founded in 1984, St. Augustine Society provides housing crisis services through St. Francis House, Port in the Storm Homeless Youth Center, SOS Street Outreach Services and now the Goff Family Shelter. The organization serves individuals and families throughout St. Johns County who face housing instability and homelessness.