The purpose of this site has always been to provide a means for people experiencing homelessness the means to express themselves.

Stories based on peoples’ experiences, photography and other expressive art forms, as well as perspectives and takes on views others are encouraged.

Rather than accepting submitted work, we’ve chosen to open membership to people wanting to do so and allow them authorship.

Authorship is open to all residents of Jacksonville affected by homelessness.  Prior to release on the site, content must be previewed by the site’s Publishing Editor.  While we stand behind ‘free speech’, we require our authors to abide by the following “Comfort Contract”:

Respect confidentiality of those you serve.

When writing about or using examples of your experiences, perspectives, other people, or yourself, do not use the actual names of any individuals.

Write from your own experience.

No blame shifting allowed.

The staff of this site maintain professional relationships and positions of authority in some local non-profit agencies, from Task Forces to seats on Boards of Directors.  Problems with service providers need to be taken up with them, within guidelines offered by them.

To prevent conflicts of interest at this time for ethical, moral, and legal reasons the site’s staff should not be considered by default Ombudsman to approach for resolution of problems with any service provider.

No personal attacks when writing or commenting on other’s published work on the site.

Listen for what the person is trying to say, or what they are saying their experience has been so far.

Mistakes are ok.  It’s how we all learn.

The question you think you are supposed to already know the answer to but don’t is the question you should ask.  Publishing Editors are here to help catch mistakes, offer advice based on their experiences, and offer solutions when necessary.

Write.

Don’t second guess yourself on a submission thinking it’s not good enough.  If you do at times, then it’s a sign your accountable.  If there’s any question, you can always submit a story and meet with the staff at our monthly meeting for advice.

This “Comfort Contract” can be changed at any time based on the needs of the site’s staff, and is a matter that both authors and visitors to the site may address during open discussion periods at our monthly meetings.

Site access to certain areas is privileged.  Access to such may be provided or declined at any time based on the choice of the Publishing Editor and other administration.  Issues regarding site access privileges revoked will only be taken up with the Site Administrator in person at the conclusion of our monthly meetings in person and private.

If you’re still interested, add a comment below rather than send an email. We hate spammers. They give decent meat you don’t find in local meal lines a bad name.

Your information won’t be made public here or provided to third parties outside the internal staff of the site.