A Port in the Storm: A Safe Harbor for Homeless Youth

Davidson Realty has been a part of the communities of St. Augustine, Jacksonville and beyond for over 30 years, and is honored to be able to invest in and support communities in need. In 2012, the Davidson family began their corporate giving program, Davidson Cares, supporting youth and family organizations throughout Northeast Florida. Through their annual fundraiser, Jim Davidson’s Annual Clay Day, they’ve raised over 1 million dollars for local families and individuals in need. Next year, on October 15, 2026, Davidson will host their 11th Annual Clay Day to lend support to St. Augustine Youth Services (SAYS), Investing in Kids! (INK!), Builders Care, Five Star Veterans Center, Homes for HOPE and Port in the Storm Homeless Youth Center – a safe place where young people can go in times of crisis.

Port in the Storm Homeless Youth Center was founded in 2017, and is partnered with St. Francis House, an organization that began in 1985 to support individuals and families in crisis and those facing homelessness. St. Francis House believes that every person deserves a safe, stable home and existence. Located in downtown St. Augustine, St. Francis provides safe shelter, nutritious food, a caring environment and vital services to help people get back on their feet. In 2017, they began their SOS Youth Street Outreach program and Port in the Storm services for homeless and unaccompanied youth.

Port in the Storm’s mission is to support youth in moving beyond the street. They offer immediate support, with drop in services available from 8AM to 6PM daily. They provide temporary overnight stays and stable, secure long-term housing. With access to medical and mental health services, Port in the Storm nurtures potential, promotes self-esteem and provides hope for successful futures. Their educational training programs include comprehensive life-building skills, learning how to deal with daily challenges, developing independence, preparing for job-readiness and creating financial independence. The safe and caring environment provides the structure and stability needed to build a positive impact and future.

And these services and resources are needed more than ever. According to Florida’s Council on Homelessness 2025 Annual Report, while there is a decrease in overall homelessness statewide (down 9.13 percent from 2024), nationally there is an 18 percent rise in individuals experiencing homelessness – with numbers increasing with families with children (by 39 percent) and children under 18 (by 33 percent). Right now, according to the report, over 4,00 children living in Florida are living without shelter. But there is always hope! Just this year, St. Francis and Port in the Storm has sheltered 309 people and 20 families with children; served 461 people in their drop-in center; provided 26,092 basic needs provisions; and have found permanent housing for 120 people. All of this is made possible by support from the community, and organizations like Davidson Cares.

If you’d like to help, you can donate here today. To help Port in the Storm, join their Kare for Kids program, where a donation of just $10 a month, or $100 annually, provides homeless youth with safe shelter, meals for 3 nights and vital life-saving services. To learn more, to volunteer, or get involved in a variety of ways, visit www.stfrancisshelter.org.