On Thursday night, at the City Plan Board Zoning Meeting an intense debate raged on.  The local Community Center, Saint Francis House, was having it’s two special use permits up for renewal.  One of the permits allowed them to house 35 homeless and the other allowed them to serve 130 meals as a Food Distribution Center.

The meeting was intense, emotional and lengthy.  What began at 6:30pm extend until 11:30pm at night.  Having never been to a zoning meeting in the past, the format allowed for anyone in attendance of the meeting to speak.  This included students from CKUF, supporters of St. Francis House and the opponents.

A very real conversation ensued.  The business interests of Gainesville have been part of the regrowth of the city.  As the city expands, business grows.  Of course, complaints of people using the services were levied against St. Francis House.  Often phrases such as “those people”, accusations of prostitution and claims of those in need “taking over the streets” were brought to the forefront on several occassions.

The main issue was based around the Food Distribution Center.  The city had accounted for flooding an area with people seeking services and capped the number of meals at 130.  Many accused St. Francis House of breaking the law because they served more than 130.

But their voices were not the only voices heard.  CKUF had three students who voluntarily attended the meeting.  All three remained for all 5 hours!  Allison Gibbs, Nichole Johnson and Charlie Shaw represented CKUF and did a great job at the meeting.  Nicole, the incoming President of CKUF, pointed out during the meeting that, “There are over 1000 homeless in Gainesville every night.”  Charlie noted, “CKUF brings our leftover food to St. Francis House after all of our cooking shifts.”  He talked about the sustainability of an organization of St. Francis House andwhat it brings to the table.

Their voices were joined by those who were formerly homeless, advocates for St. Francis House and even professors from the University.  Those advocates and the students of CKUF prevailed.  St. Francis House had both of their permits renewed, and a dedicated conversation about services in Gainesville and where they were available all started.

Not only was this a great feel good story about Gainesville, but CKUF did a great job networking and speaking with many members that spoke for St. Francis House and members of the City Plan Board.  It was a great day to be part of CKP, and I was proud to see our active students hard at work.

Share on Facebook