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OutEast Laughter Community Our History

Project Boots is a program that provides local residents with guidance, homeownership education resources and down payment assistance to build new homes on vacant lots in the Eastside. The program introduces new residents to the community while providing a pathway to homeownership.

The HECDC offers workshops for first-time homebuyers. These sessions are designed to guide first-time homebuyers step-by-step through the home buying process. Homebuyers will be provided one-on-one counseling through the Jacksonville Urban League.

According to Auburn University, Jacksonville, one of the largest urban areas in the country, is significantly affected by heirs’ property that causes wealth deterioration among vulnerable citizens, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) families. Heirs’ property is a pervasive issue that prevents the accumulation of generational wealth and compounds the effects of other financial and economic challenges already experienced by these individuals and communities. In partnership with LISC, HECDC provides referrals to 3 Rivers Legal to help families own their homes outright.

In an effort to preserve the remarkable legacy of OutEast, the Restore, Repair & Resilience Program supports longtime Eastside residents in making improvements to their homes, ensuring those families can remain in safe, stable housing now and into the future. The families we serve have experienced hardships that have hindered their ability to maintain their homes when the structures fall into disrepair, have storm damage, or experience typical aging.

Philip Randolph Boulevard is the Eastside's primary business corridor. By installing new lighting, landscaping and beautifying the area, we work together to allow existing businesses to flourish and create a welcoming environment to introduce new ones.

The Eastside Legacy Business Council was created to promote awareness of the OutEast business community. Local business owners and leaders are encouraged to come together to share ideas, discuss challenges and wins.

Florida Main Street is a designation that supports local revitalization and historic preservation efforts by creating jobs, saving tax dollars and preserving historic resources. The A. Philip Randolph business corridor was named the first Florida Main Street in Jacksonville, which will help sustain revitalization efforts of this commercial corridor to help return it to the thriving business community it once was.

John Love Early Learning Center is a best-in-class early education center located in the heart of the Eastside. As the District’s only facility dedicated exclusively to serving 3- and 4-year-old children, the center equips young students with the necessary skills to successfully transition to Kindergarten.

The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Pathways Program at Long Branch and Matthew Gilbert Middle supports enhanced programming to create a strong talent pipeline from Eastside students.

By investing in updated infrastructure and equipment at Flossie Brunson Eastside Park and A. Philip Randolph Park, we can create a safe place for children and families to gather, exercise and meet with their neighbors.

Opening in 2024, The Corner at Debs Store is a revitalized and expanded historic grocery store in the heart of the Eastside. Located at 1478 Florida Avenue, The Corner at Debs Store will feature fresh groceries along with career counseling offered by Goodwill Industries of North Florida and financial wellness resources offered by VyStar Credit Union. Additionally, we have worked with JTA to arrange an OutEast bus route to ensure the store is accessible to all.